Failure to Accommodate Resident Food Preferences
Penalty
Summary
A resident with diagnoses including hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus was admitted to the facility and required a therapeutic diet, specifically a renal 80-gram protein, regular texture, thin liquids, controlled carbohydrate, double portion protein diet. The resident's dietary preferences, documented during the admission process, included a request for wheat bread instead of white bread and no cheese. Despite these documented preferences, the resident was repeatedly served white bread and pasta, contrary to their requests. The resident expressed frustration and concern about the lack of accommodation for their food preferences, stating that dietary staff were not honoring their requests. The Dietary Supervisor confirmed that the last dietary preference assessment reflected the resident's requests and acknowledged a mistake in serving white bread. The supervisor explained that tray line staff were responsible for checking menu cards with meal trays and recognized the importance of honoring resident food preferences. Facility policy indicated that reasonable efforts would be made to accommodate resident choices and preferences, but this was not followed in this instance, resulting in the resident not receiving meals consistent with their documented preferences.