Unappetizing Meals and Lack of Alternate Food Options
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to serve meals that were appetizing in appearance and palatable, as well as to offer alternate meal options to residents who refused or disliked the food provided. Multiple residents reported dissatisfaction with the taste and appearance of their meals, specifically noting that the scrambled eggs served at breakfast were green and unappetizing. Observations confirmed that several residents did not eat the eggs, and staff acknowledged that the eggs had turned green after being placed on the steam table due to a substitute egg product being used. Staff also admitted to serving the eggs despite their appearance and stated that residents were not offered alternative meal options when they refused the food. Interviews with residents revealed that some did not receive enough food and relied on family to bring in outside meals, while others left portions of their meals uneaten due to poor quality or unappealing presentation. Staff interviews further confirmed that the process for offering alternate meals was not consistently followed, and that communication with residents regarding food-related issues was lacking. The facility's own policy required staff to offer substitutes of similar nutritive value when a resident refused a meal, but this was not implemented as observed and reported.