Failure to Provide Dignified Dining Experience Due to Use of Disposable Utensils and Cups
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors identified that the facility failed to ensure residents were treated with dignity and respect during meal service, as required by federal and state regulations. Multiple observations revealed that residents, both in their rooms and in the main dining room, were consistently provided with plastic silverware and Styrofoam cups instead of regular metal utensils and glassware. This practice was noted to affect several residents, including those who were cognitively intact and able to express their preferences. Residents reported difficulty using plastic utensils to cut food and expressed a preference for regular silverware and cups, indicating that the use of disposables negatively impacted their dining experience. Interviews with staff, including CNAs, the Dietary Manager, and the Director of Nursing, revealed inconsistent knowledge and practices regarding the use of disposable versus regular dishware. Some staff stated that they used disposable items when regular supplies ran out, while others were unaware of the reason for using disposables. The Dietary Manager indicated that there was an adequate supply of regular dishware and utensils, and backup supplies were available, but staff did not always access them. The process for ensuring enough regular dishware and utensils were available for all residents was not clearly defined or consistently followed. The facility's policy on resident rights, which emphasizes the right to a dignified existence and respectful treatment, was not upheld in these instances. The lack of regular dishware and utensils, despite available supplies, led to residents being served meals in a manner that did not promote dignity or an enhanced quality of life. The deficiency was substantiated by direct observations, resident interviews, and staff statements, all indicating a systemic issue with the provision of appropriate dining materials.