Resident Not Properly Positioned During Meal
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident, who was cognitively impaired and dependent on two staff members for daily care needs including eating, was not positioned appropriately during a meal. The facility's policy required residents to be as upright as possible with the head tipped slightly forward while eating. However, the resident was observed sitting in a specialized chair with the rear end tilted back, causing her upper torso and head to be reclined. The chair was also not positioned close enough to the table, making it difficult for the resident to reach her plate. The resident attempted to pull herself closer to the table but was unable to do so. The resident's care plan indicated a need for supervision to limited assistance with meals, but these needs were not met during the observed meal. The DON confirmed that the chair should have been upright and closer to the table to allow the resident to reach her food. This failure to follow the facility's policy and the resident's care plan resulted in the resident not being properly positioned for eating.
Plan Of Correction
Resident R36 was repositioned immediately at the time of the survey. The meal was checked for appropriate temperature and the resident was assisted to complete her meal. Occupational Therapy also evaluated resident R36 to ensure she had the most appropriate chair and made any recommendations for best possible positioning during meals. Education was provided to staff regarding proper positioning during meals. The Director of Nursing or designee will complete audits daily x 5 days at random meals to ensure proper positioning of residents in the dining room x2 weeks, then weekly x 4 weeks, then monthly x 2 months with results to Quality Assurance.