Failure to Provide Timely Meal Service Due to Inadequate Staffing
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient support personnel to ensure that meals were served to residents in a timely manner, as required by posted mealtimes. Multiple residents reported that meals were consistently late, with one resident stating that lunch was just being served at 2:15 p.m., well after the scheduled time. Another resident expressed frustration at having to rush through breakfast to attend church, while a different resident noted receiving evening medications before dinner due to the meal being delayed. Several residents indicated that late meals caused them to miss or rush through activities, and one resident specifically mentioned that dinner had been served as late as 7:00 p.m. over the past two months. Residents also reported that staffing shortages were a persistent issue and that grievances about the problem had not led to improvements. Staff interviews during a resident council meeting confirmed that meal delays were related to staffing concerns. One staff member acknowledged ongoing hiring attempts that had not resolved the issue, and another encouraged residents to eat in the dining room for faster service, as meal delivery to rooms was slower. Observations confirmed that all available staff were assisting with breakfast tray service in the dining room, further indicating a lack of adequate support personnel to meet the needs of all residents in a timely manner.