Failure to Feed Dependent Resident in a Dignified Manner
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident who was dependent on staff for all activities of daily living, including eating, was not fed in a dignified manner. The resident had significant medical conditions, including dementia, dysphagia, mood disorder, and lack of coordination, and was on a dysphagia puree diet with nectar thick liquids. Care plans and physician orders specified that the resident should be fed slowly, with small bites and sips, and that staff should ensure the resident swallowed each mouthful before offering more food. However, video evidence showed that a nursing assistant fed the resident rapidly, placing multiple heaping spoonfuls of oatmeal into the resident's mouth without waiting for the resident to swallow, and allowed food to drip onto the resident's chin before using the spoon to remove it. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that the feeding was not performed according to the resident's care plan or facility policy, which emphasized slow feeding and ensuring swallowing between bites. The nursing assistant acknowledged not realizing how quickly she was feeding the resident and recognized that she should have paused between spoonfuls. The Director of Nursing Services also confirmed that the feeding was too fast and did not meet the required standards for dignified care. Facility documentation and policies reviewed supported the expectation for dignified, slow, and attentive feeding practices for residents with similar needs.