Failure to Ensure Dignified Dining Experience and Simultaneous Meal Service
Penalty
Summary
Facility staff failed to ensure residents were treated with dignity during dining services, as evidenced by staff referring to residents requiring assistance with eating as "feeders" and identifying their table as a "special table" needing extra help. This was observed when a CNA oriented an agency CNA by pointing out the table with residents who needed assistance and repeatedly used the term "feeders" in reference to these individuals. The facility's Dignity Policy requires staff to promote residents' well-being and self-esteem and to always speak respectfully to residents, which was not followed in these instances. Additionally, the facility did not serve meals simultaneously to residents seated at the same table. One resident with Alzheimer's disease, osteoarthritis, and muscle weakness was observed waiting for her meal while another resident at the same table had already been served and was eating. The resident expressed concern about not having food and requested more to drink while waiting. Staff explained that the delay was due to the kitchen forgetting to prepare a special diet meal, resulting in the resident being served significantly later than her tablemate. The registered dietitian confirmed that residents at the same table should be served at the same time.