Failure to Provide Required Adaptive Eating Equipment and Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide special eating equipment, specifically an Adult Sip Cup, and appropriate assistance to a resident who required such adaptive devices for safe and effective meal consumption. The resident, a male with a history of malignant brain neoplasm, left-sided hemiplegia, and aphasia, was documented as being moderately cognitively impaired, dependent on staff for eating, and requiring a mechanically altered diet. Physician orders and the care plan specified the use of an Adult Sip Cup to assist with beverages and prevent spillage or choking. However, during observation, the resident was initially given regular cups by staff, resulting in repeated spillage while attempting to drink. The appropriate adaptive equipment was only provided later during the meal service after the resident had already experienced difficulty. Interviews with staff, including the ADON, dietary manager, CNA, and DON, confirmed that the resident was supposed to receive beverages in an Adult Sip Cup due to issues with dexterity and to prevent aspiration and dehydration. The facility's own policy required that adaptive devices be provided to residents who need them and that assistance be given to ensure residents can use and benefit from such equipment. Despite these documented needs and policies, the resident was not consistently provided with the required adaptive equipment at the start of the meal, leading to observed difficulties and spillage.