Failure to Provide Palatable and Preferred Meals
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide palatable and attractive food in accordance with its own policies for one resident. The resident, who had diagnoses including morbid obesity, GERD, and major depressive disorder, was cognitively intact and able to express his preferences and needs. Documentation and interviews revealed that the resident frequently received meals that were unappetizing, with food described as dry, mushy, and visually unappealing. The resident repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction with the taste and texture of the food, specifically noting that vegetables were overcooked and meats were excessively dry, leading him to avoid eating the meals provided. Despite the resident's clear communication of his food preferences and repeated requests for alternatives, the facility did not consistently accommodate these needs. Dietary staff acknowledged the resident's particular preferences and his tendency to refuse food that did not meet his standards, yet the issues persisted. Facility policy required that individual food preferences be accommodated within reason, but observations and interviews confirmed that the resident continued to receive meals he found unacceptable, negatively impacting his willingness to eat and his psychosocial well-being.