Delayed Meal Service Compromises Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide meal service in a manner that maintained residents' dignity by allowing extended delays in meal delivery at shared tables. Observations revealed that at Dining Table #5, one resident received her meal and began eating while the other three residents at the same table waited between 15 to 20 minutes before being served. Similarly, at Dining Table #4, one resident was served first, while the other two residents at the table waited 10 to 13 minutes before receiving their meals. These delays occurred while staff continued to serve other residents in the dining room. Staff interviews indicated that there were not enough staff members assigned to the dining room to ensure timely meal delivery and assistance. Additionally, meal trays were not organized by table but were randomly placed on the meal cart, further delaying service to some residents at shared tables. The Nursing Home Administrator and DON confirmed that the lunch meal service was not conducted in a timely or coordinated manner, resulting in a failure to ensure that residents were provided meals in a dignified manner.