Failure to Provide Palatable and Properly Heated Meals
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide meals that were palatable, attractive, and served at an appetizing temperature, as evidenced by multiple resident interviews, observations, and review of dietary grievances. Residents reported dissatisfaction with the quality, taste, and temperature of the food, noting issues such as tough meats, lack of variety, overuse of certain seasonings, and inability to access or use a microwave for reheating food. During a group meeting, all residents in attendance expressed that meals were often cold, unappetizing, and not visually appealing, with specific complaints about soggy or hard French fries, smashed buns, and excessive barbecue sauce. Observations of meal service confirmed that food items, such as burgers and fries, were served below recommended temperatures and were not palatable. Review of the facility's grievance log revealed that concerns about undercooked or cold food were not adequately addressed in the facility's responses, which focused on updating preferences or communication rather than resolving the underlying issues. Staff interviews confirmed that the kitchen does not reheat resident foods and that certain equipment, such as a toaster, was unavailable for a period. The Food Services Director acknowledged limitations in food preparation methods due to lack of equipment and noted that menus were determined by corporate, sometimes including items not suitable for the available kitchen setup. The Administrator was aware of some complaints but had not personally evaluated the food quality.