Failure to Consistently Provide Snacks According to Resident Preferences
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to consistently provide snacks to residents in accordance with their needs, preferences, and requests, as required by facility policy. A review of the facility's snack policy indicated that snacks and beverages should be provided as identified in residents' care plans, with bedtime snacks available for all residents and additional snacks upon request. However, during a group interview, all seven residents present reported that snacks were not routinely offered in the evenings, and they expressed a desire to receive evening or bedtime snacks. Some residents noted that, previously, kitchen staff would offer snacks in the evening, but currently, the snack cart is delivered to the nurses' station, and nursing aides are responsible for distribution. Residents reported that aides often do not have time to deliver snacks, requiring residents to go to the nurses' station if they want a snack. Additionally, one resident expressed dissatisfaction with the limited quantity of snacks provided, stating that only one small snack was allowed, which was sometimes insufficient. The Nursing Home Administrator was interviewed and could not explain why residents were not consistently offered snacks as desired, though acknowledged awareness of the issue and affirmed that residents should be provided a snack at bedtime. These findings were reviewed with the Nursing Home Administrator, confirming that the facility was not adhering to its own policy regarding the provision of snacks and beverages to residents.