Failure to Provide Substantial Bedtime Snacks to Residents Needing Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide substantial snacks to residents who required assistance at meals, as evidenced by the time between supper and breakfast exceeding 14 hours. Observations revealed that total assist residents received supper at 4:30 PM and breakfast at 7:00 AM, with no substantial snacks available in the nourishment refrigerator on the unit. Resident Council members reported that snacks were not offered after supper, and although snacks were said to be available at the nurses' station, they were not distributed. Review of the facility's snack lists showed limited and inconsistent offerings, with some days lacking substantial options. Interviews with dietary and nursing staff indicated that not all residents received labeled snacks at bedtime, and extra snacks were not always available for those who were hungry later at night. The nourishment refrigerators were inconsistently stocked, and some staff assumed that snacks were being offered without direct verification. The Director of Nursing and Administrator both stated that snacks were sent out and should be offered to all residents, but evidence from observations and interviews contradicted this expectation, highlighting a gap in the actual provision of snacks to residents, particularly those needing assistance.