Failure to Provide Complete and Nutritious Meals as Outlined in Facility Menu
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that all residents received a balanced and nutritious meal as outlined in the facility's menu and policy. Observations revealed that residents on a pureed diet did not receive bread or dessert, and all residents missed receiving dessert during the meal service. Specifically, during meal preparation and service, staff did not include bread with the pureed beef patty or roasted zucchini, and no pureed dessert was available. Additionally, margarine was not placed on the trays or tables for residents. Staff interviews confirmed that pureed bread was not served due to its unappealing nature and that margarine was missing from the carts. The dietary manager and food service workers verified that dessert was not initially served to any residents until prompted by a surveyor, at which point some residents had already finished their meals and left the dining area. The menu for the observed meal included beef pepper patty, mashed potatoes with gravy, roasted zucchini, a dinner roll, margarine, and cherry crisp for dessert. However, the actual meal service did not match the planned menu, as bread and dessert were omitted for residents on pureed diets, and dessert and margarine were not provided to all residents as required. The facility's policy required menus to provide a variety of foods and indicate standard portions, but these requirements were not met during the observed meal service. One resident was identified as not receiving anything by mouth and was not affected by the deficiency.