Failure to Provide Palatable and Appetizing Food to Residents
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors found that the facility failed to provide palatable, appetizing, and safe food to residents, specifically affecting two individuals reviewed for food quality. One resident with severe cognitive impairment, multiple chronic conditions, and a mechanically altered, pureed diet was observed receiving pureed meals that were stringy, lumpy, watery, and lacked flavor. The dietary staff confirmed during preparation that the pureed sugar snap peas, breaded fish, and roasted potatoes were not palatable, with issues in both texture and taste. The resident had a documented history of significant weight loss and was at risk for malnutrition, with care plans and orders specifying the need for appropriate diet preparation. Another resident, with diagnoses including dementia and mild protein-calorie malnutrition, was observed eating a lunch meal that was reported to have no flavor. The resident expressed dissatisfaction, stating the meal tasted as if they "might as well eat dirt." Both observations and interviews confirmed that the food provided was not palatable or appetizing, directly contravening the requirement to ensure residents receive nutritive, palatable food and drink.