Failure to Honor Resident Food Preferences and Provide Meal Alternatives
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed that the facility failed to honor resident food preferences and provide appropriate meal alternatives for two residents. One resident, who had a documented dislike of peas, was served a meal that included peas, and although the nurse aide acknowledged the resident's preference, no alternative vegetable was offered. The resident's meal ticket did not list peas, but the meal served included them, and the resident's care plan specifically stated that food preferences should be honored and alternate choices provided as needed. Another resident, identified as being at nutritional risk with a history of weight loss and on a therapeutic diet, was served tuna sandwiches despite having fish listed as a dislike. When the resident declined the meal, a staff member offered only grilled cheese and fruit, not the alternate meal of Salisbury steak that was available. The staff later confirmed that the alternate meal was not offered and was no longer available after a certain time. The dietary manager confirmed that the resident's dislikes were accurately documented and that the resident should have received the alternate meal if it had been ordered in time.