Failure to Serve Meals Simultaneously Compromises Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
Two residents with cognitive impairment and dysphagia were observed waiting for lunch in the lounge area while another resident at their table received their meal significantly earlier. One resident received their meal 1 hour and 50 minutes after the other, while the second resident waited 1 hour and 5 minutes. Both residents were care planned for nutritional risk and required specific dietary accommodations, but were left to watch another resident eat while they waited for their own meals. Staff interviews confirmed that all residents at a table should be served at the same time, and that it was not normal practice for residents to wait such a long period while others ate. The delay in meal service was attributed to the kitchen staff delivering one resident's tray at the time meals were served in the main dining room, while the other two residents' trays were not brought until much later. The nurse aide acknowledged that she should have either provided snacks or obtained the trays for the waiting residents, and reported the delay to the kitchen staff. Facility policy on resident rights emphasized dignity and respect, but a specific dining policy was not provided upon request.