Failure to Provide Required Eating Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency occurred when a resident who required substantial to maximal assistance with eating did not receive the necessary support during a meal. The resident, who had a BIMS score of 10 indicating moderate cognitive impairment, was observed sitting up in bed and slowly feeding themselves, with most of their food still on the plate. The resident expressed a desire for help, stating, 'It would be nice if I had help.' Despite this, a CNA entered the room, asked if the resident was done, and left the tray without providing assistance. Facility records indicated that eight residents required feeding assistance, and the facility's Nursing Skills Guideline emphasized the importance of providing care that respects residents' needs and preferences. The CNA involved stated they were not aware the resident required feeding assistance and believed it was their responsibility to ask if help was needed. The administrator confirmed that staff are expected to assist residents who require help with eating.