Insufficient Staffing Led to Delays in Resident Feeding Assistance
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide sufficient nursing staff to meet the daily needs of all residents, specifically in assisting residents with eating. On the date reviewed, staffing records showed only two nurses and three CNAs were available to care for 34 residents, with one CNA out of the building accompanying a resident to dialysis. Observations and interviews confirmed that only one CNA was present in the dining area to assist residents who required help with eating, while other aides were occupied feeding residents in the hallways. This resulted in delays and inadequate assistance for residents who were dependent on staff for eating. Three residents were directly affected by this staffing shortage. One resident with severe cognitive impairment and total dependence for eating was not served or assisted with lunch until 45 minutes after being brought to the dining room. Another resident, who was cognitively intact but fully dependent for eating, waited in the dining room before being fed. A third resident with moderate cognitive impairment required cues and physical assistance to eat, but was not positioned properly at the table and had to wait until staff could help her. Staff interviews confirmed that insufficient staffing was a daily occurrence, impacting the timely feeding and care of residents.