Failure to Provide Homelike Dining Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide a homelike dining environment for residents in both the main and west wing dining rooms. Observations revealed that residents were served meals on trays, with dishes not removed and placed on the tables, despite the presence of tablecloths in the main dining room. In the west wing dining room, tables were bare, lacking both tablecloths and centerpieces, and residents consistently ate from trays. Staff interviews confirmed that the practice of not removing dishes from trays and the absence of table decorations was routine, particularly in the west wing dining room. Further interviews with facility staff, including a CNA and the Business Office Manager, indicated a lack of clarity and consistency regarding dining room setup and the provision of a homelike environment. The Administrator acknowledged the ongoing issue of residents eating from trays and the lack of decorations, stating that previous centerpieces had been discarded and there was no specific policy addressing the creation of a homelike dining environment. The Unit Manager also recognized the importance of making the environment homelike, as the facility serves as the residents' home.