Failure to Provide Palatable and Properly Tempered Food
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide food that was palatable, attractive, and at a safe and appetizing temperature for at least one resident and during one observed meal. A male resident with legal blindness, high blood pressure, prostate cancer, and depression, who was cognitively intact but required assistance with most activities of daily living, reported that his food was consistently cold and unappetizing when served in his room. He had not requested reheating due to concerns about staff being short-handed. Additionally, a confidential group interview with four residents revealed similar complaints about food being cold and bland. During a lunch meal observation, surveyors and the Dietary Manager sampled a tray and found that while the fajita chicken was warm and tasted good, the refried beans and Spanish rice were lukewarm and bland. The Dietary Manager and Dietitian were unaware of any food complaints, and both, along with the DON and Administrator, stated expectations that food should be palatable and at the correct temperature. However, none were aware of the ongoing concerns. Facility policies required meals to meet nutritional standards and be served at proper temperatures, but these were not consistently followed as evidenced by resident complaints and surveyor observations.