Failure to Serve Meals at Scheduled Times
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that meals were served at regularly scheduled times in accordance with resident needs and preferences on three of four nursing units. Multiple residents reported that meal delivery was frequently late, with one resident stating she had to wait a long time for a meal and another indicating that late meals interfered with participation in scheduled activities. Additional residents confirmed that the delivery of meal trucks and steam tables was often delayed. Review of the facility's meal schedule showed specific delivery times for each unit, with a 15-minute grace period allowed. However, observations revealed that meal deliveries were significantly late on several units, with delays ranging from 33 to 49 minutes past the scheduled times. One resident was observed without a meal tray during the delay and confirmed that late meals were a typical occurrence. The DON acknowledged that meal service should have adhered to the scheduled delivery times.