Failure to Maintain Resident Dignity and Provide Timely Meal Assistance
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to maintain resident dignity and provide appropriate assistance with meals for residents requiring help. One resident was found lying in bed with their brief exposed and uncovered, visible from the hallway due to an open curtain, and calling out for help to access their meal tray, which was placed out of reach on a bedside table pushed against the wall. The resident reported that their tray was often left on the table without being set up for them when meals were served. This situation was witnessed by the surveyor and brought to the attention of an LPN, who acknowledged the issue. Another resident, who was documented as dependent on staff for eating, was observed awake in bed, reaching upward, with their meal tray and water cup placed on a nightstand out of reach and without staff present to assist. Medical records confirmed the resident required staff assistance for eating. The facility's policy stated that trays should be held on the cart until staff are ready to assist with feeding, but this procedure was not followed, resulting in residents not receiving timely and dignified assistance with their meals.