Failure to Serve Meals at Scheduled Times
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to serve resident meals at the scheduled times as posted in the main dining room, affecting all 60 residents receiving oral diets. Observations showed that lunch trays began to be delivered 20 minutes after the scheduled time and were not fully served until 30 minutes past the scheduled time. Multiple residents reported that meals were consistently late, with some stating delays of 20 to 60 minutes. Staff interviews confirmed that meal service was often delayed, particularly after a reduction in food service aide staffing, which slowed down the tray delivery process. The facility's posted meal schedule and policy required meals to be served at specific times, but these times were not consistently met. Resident council meeting minutes from previous months documented ongoing concerns from residents about the timeliness of meal service, with repeated complaints that lunch was being served later and later. Staff, including a cook and food service workers, acknowledged the delays and attributed them to staffing shortages and the complexity of meal preparation. The facility census indicated that nearly all residents were affected, except for one who did not receive oral diets. The deficiency was identified through observation, resident and staff interviews, and review of facility records and policies.