Failure to Assist Residents with Meal Setup and Dietary Needs
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide necessary assistance with meals and dietary needs for three residents who required help with activities of daily living, specifically during mealtimes. One resident with severe cognitive impairment, hemiplegia, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic conditions was observed unable to remove lids from her food containers or open condiment packets. Despite her attempts and visible struggle, she did not receive timely assistance until prompted by an inquiry to a staff member. Dietary staff later confirmed that due to her hand contractures, staff should have been removing lids and opening condiments when delivering her meals. Another resident with moderate cognitive impairment, multiple chronic illnesses, and documented difficulty chewing was observed struggling to remove lids from her dessert and ice cream. She was unable to open these items and eventually gave up, requesting assistance only after several minutes. Dietary staff confirmed that for residents assessed as needing tray setup, staff are expected to remove lids, open cartons, and ensure food is ready to eat, which was not done in this instance. A third resident, also with moderate cognitive impairment and a history of fractures, malnutrition, and muscle weakness, was observed sitting in front of her meal without having taken any bites. She was not encouraged or assisted by staff who walked by, and only began eating after the administrator personally intervened and provided assistance. The facility's policy requires that residents receive meal assistance according to their individual needs, which was not followed in these cases.