Failure to Properly Position Residents During Feeding Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that two residents who required assistance with eating were properly positioned during feeding, as specified in their care plans and the facility's meal assistance policy. One resident, with diagnoses including COPD and GERD and severe cognitive impairment, was observed being fed while lying on their left side with the head of bed lower than 30 degrees, contrary to care plan instructions to keep the head of bed elevated at 30-45 degrees and avoid lying down during and after meals. The staff member confirmed feeding the resident in this improper position. Another resident, dependent on staff for eating and with a diagnosis of dysphagia, was observed being offered food while in a supine position with the head of bed lower than 30 degrees, despite care plan instructions to maintain the head of bed at 30-45 degrees during feeding. The staff member acknowledged attempting to feed the resident in this position and stated that residents should be upright when eating. Facility policies reviewed also required residents to be positioned upright during meals, but these were not followed during the observed incidents.