Failure to Provide Properly Prepared Pureed Foods for Residents with Swallowing Difficulties
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to prepare pureed foods in a form designed to meet the individual needs of residents requiring texture-modified diets. Observations revealed that pureed roast pork was runny and did not hold its shape on the plate, while pureed bread contained visible bread particles and lacked a smooth, pudding-like consistency. During a test tray evaluation, the Dietary Supervisor confirmed that the pureed pork was too runny and the pureed bread was not properly blended, stating that these foods should be smooth, lump-free, and able to hold their shape to meet the needs of residents with chewing or swallowing difficulties. A review of the facility's menu, diet manual, and standardized recipes indicated that pureed foods are intended for residents with severe chewing and/or swallowing problems and must be processed to a smooth, extremely thick consistency without lumps. The facility's diet manual and recipes specify that pureed foods should pass the IDDSI appearance, fork drip, and spoon tilt tests, and should not have liquid separation or visible lumps. The observed deficiencies affected all residents on pureed diets, as the foods provided did not meet the required consistency standards outlined in facility policies and the IDDSI guidelines.