Failure to Honor Resident Meal Preferences and Substitutions
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that residents received meals in accordance with their documented preferences and dislikes, as well as requested substitutions. One resident repeatedly informed staff that he disliked ham, turkey, dressing, and oatmeal, and requested these dislikes be noted on his meal ticket. Despite this, his meal ticket only documented 'No Pork' and did not reflect his specific dislikes. The resident continued to receive oatmeal on his tray, and staff confirmed that the kitchen, operated by a new company, frequently provided incorrect meals, including items specifically listed as dislikes on residents' meal tickets. Staff interviews revealed that although residents' preferences were communicated to dietary staff, corrections were not consistently made, and disliked foods continued to be served. Another resident, who had a documented dislike of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, received such a sandwich on her tray. When she requested a cheeseburger substitute, staff verified her dislike was noted on the meal ticket and contacted dietary for the substitution. The facility's policy states that residents should be able to choose foods from available items and that alternatives are available daily, with the activity department assisting in selections. Despite these policies, the facility did not consistently honor residents' meal preferences and substitutions, as evidenced by direct observations and staff and resident interviews.