Delayed Meal Service Due to Insufficient Dietary Staffing and Inefficient Processes
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that meals were served within the allotted time frames established by staff, potentially affecting all residents served from the kitchen. Observations during the noon meal revealed that some residents waited up to 47 minutes after the scheduled mealtime to receive their food. Residents were observed seated and waiting, with some consuming desserts and drinks before the main meal was served. Dietary staff were delayed in serving meals due to the need to debone chicken wings and cut up food at the tables, which extended the overall meal service time. The process of serving was further slowed as dietary staff had to wait for meal carts to be returned before continuing to serve additional tables. Interviews with residents and staff confirmed that extended wait times for meals were not uncommon, with one resident stating it was typical to wait up to an hour for lunch and supper. The Dietary Manager acknowledged that all meals are supposed to be served within 30 minutes of service start, and that the delays observed were not acceptable. The facility's posted mealtimes and staff training both indicated a 30-minute window for meal service, but this standard was not met during the observed meal, as confirmed by both dietary staff and the facility administrator.