Use of Disposable Dinnerware Compromises Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
Staff served meals to residents using Styrofoam plates and bowls instead of regular dinnerware during both lunch and breakfast meal services. Observations confirmed that meatloaf, mashed potatoes, carrots, strawberry cake, scrambled eggs, toast, sausage or bacon, and cereal were all served on disposable Styrofoam ware. Dietary staff stated that the use of disposable plates and bowls was due to being short-staffed and lacking sufficient help to clean dishes. The facility's Dining Room Standards policy, dated 2020, specifies that single-use disposable dining ware is not permitted except in emergencies. Administrative nursing staff verified that Styrofoam ware should not have been used for daily meal service and confirmed the reason for its use was staff shortages.