Failure to Assist Resident with Eating to Maintain Dignity
Penalty
Summary
Staff failed to provide necessary assistance to a resident during mealtimes, resulting in the resident feeding himself with his fingers and dropping food on his clothes and the floor. Observations during two separate noontime meals showed the resident eating with his hands, struggling with certain foods, and leaving a mess in the dining area. No staff were observed prompting or assisting the resident to use utensils during these meals. Interviews with nurse aides and the speech therapist confirmed that the resident is capable of using utensils but requires constant supervision and cueing to do so effectively. The resident's care plan indicated that he requires set-up assistance with eating, but this intervention was not observed being implemented. The deficiency was confirmed with the Director of Nursing.