Failure to Honor Resident Food Preferences and Provide Suitable Substitutes
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when the facility failed to provide food that accommodated a resident's preferences and requests, as required by facility policy. The resident, who had a history of congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and anxiety disorder, was on a regular diet with a fluid restriction and expressed a preference for a heart-healthy diet, fresh fruit, and salads. Despite these documented preferences and care plan instructions to monitor diet acceptance and concerns, the resident reported that the facility sometimes ran out of food, did not offer alternatives, and failed to provide requested items such as a chef salad. On multiple occasions, the resident either did not receive the requested salad or received an inappropriate substitute, such as mashed potatoes and gravy, which did not align with their dietary needs or preferences. Observations and interviews confirmed that the resident's requests for a chef salad were not honored, even when the meal ticket indicated the item, and the resident had to make their own salad from personal supplies. The Dietary Manager acknowledged the availability of lettuce and was unaware that the resident did not receive the requested salad. The Administrator stated that alternative food choices should be offered and was not aware of the specific incident. The facility's failure to provide suitable substitutes and honor the resident's food preferences, as outlined in their own policy, led to the deficiency.