Failure to Provide Dignified Dining Experience for Residents on Precautions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure a dignified dining experience for two residents who were observed receiving their meals in the dining room with black plastic garbage bags covering their trays. The meals were served in disposable clamshell containers, with fruit in disposable paper soup cups, and plastic utensils provided, while the residents sat at a communal table with others who did not have similar arrangements. Staff explained that these trays were for individuals on precautions, but the regional nurse later clarified that the use of plastic bags, clamshell containers, and disposable utensils was not part of the protocol for residents on contact precautions. Both affected residents expressed a preference for having a normal tray and being treated like the other residents.