Failure to Provide Dignified Dining Experience
Penalty
Summary
A deficiency was identified when a resident was not treated with dignity and respect during meal service. The resident, who has diagnoses including blindness in the left eye, hemiplegia, and hemiparesis, and requires suctioning for oral secretions and pocketed food, was observed in bed with her meal tray uncovered and a fork in the food. The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) assigned to her was called away to escort other residents to the dining area, leaving the resident unattended with her meal tray uncovered. The CNA later stated she was in the process of assisting the resident with eating, who requires full assistance, but had been interrupted by the nurse's request. Upon returning, the CNA removed a half-eaten sandwich from under the tray lid, wrapped it in a napkin, and placed it in her pocket before proceeding to feed the resident. The resident's care plan indicated she is able to eat her meal with supervision or setup assistance. Facility policy requires that residents be cared for in a manner that promotes their sense of well-being and self-worth, but the observed actions did not align with this policy, resulting in a failure to provide a dignified dining experience.