Failure to Provide Required Adaptive Eating Equipment and Assistance
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident with a recent upper arm fracture, osteoarthritis in the dominant hand, and vision problems was not provided with the adaptive eating equipment and assistance specified in her care plan and occupational therapy documentation. The care plan and therapy notes indicated the need for an inner lip plate, built-up utensils, visual cues, and staff assistance to cut food at every meal. Despite these documented needs, observations over multiple meals showed that the resident did not receive the required inner lip plate, was given weighted rather than built-up utensils, and her food was not cut into pieces as needed. During these observed meals, the resident was seen struggling to manage her food, having difficulty picking up and cutting items, and lacking the adaptive equipment and assistance outlined in her care plan. The NHA confirmed that the adaptive equipment should have been provided, but it was not in place during the observed meal times.