Failure to Provide Palatable and Properly Tempered Food to Residents
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that food and drink provided to residents was palatable, attractive, and served at a safe and appetizing temperature. Multiple residents reported dissatisfaction with the quality and temperature of the food, describing it as bland, overcooked, cold, or having unusual flavors. One resident stated he avoided eating facility meals and relied on snacks in his room, while others echoed concerns about the food being consistently cold and unappetizing. Anonymous complaints during a resident council meeting also highlighted issues with food temperature and meal timing. During a test tray evaluation, both the dietary manager and state survey team found the sampled meal to be lacking in flavor and temperature, with specific items such as lemon butter chicken and vegetables described as bland or overpowered by certain flavors. The dietary manager noted that the lack of plate warmers contributed to the food cooling quickly after plating. The DON and administrator acknowledged that residents who disliked the food might be at risk for malnutrition and weight loss, and it was noted that resident satisfaction declined after a change in food providers. The facility's policy required regular test tray evaluations, but the issues persisted as observed and reported.