Resident Food Preferences Restricted by Kosher Meal Policy
Summary
The facility did not ensure residents’ food preferences, choices, and beliefs were honored because it operated as a strict kosher facility and restricted access to non-kosher food for residents who were not kosher. The resident handbook stated that no non-kosher food of any kind could be brought into the facility, and a sign at the entrance stated that no outside food was permitted at any time. Staff interviews showed that residents were told outside food could only be brought in with prior arrangements and could only be eaten in a designated recreation area on the first floor, not in resident rooms or on the unit. Multiple residents reported dissatisfaction with these restrictions and described being unable to eat food brought by family or food they wanted from outside. One resident stated family could not bring food for them and that when a child did bring food, it had to be taken back home. Another resident said outside food such as pizza was only obtained on Fridays, while another stated they could not afford to order outside food regularly and had to rely on the facility’s food. A resident with diagnoses including CAD, HTN, ESRD, and hemiparesis, whose MDS documented intact cognition and a need for snacks between meals, stated that a child brought Jello cups that were confiscated and not returned because the facility was kosher, even though the resident was not kosher. Additional interviews confirmed that residents were limited to food ordered once weekly through the recreation department, with options such as Chinese, Italian, pizza, or deli food, and that family-brought food had to be eaten only in the recreation room or another designated area. Residents stated they were not allowed to eat outside food in their rooms or on the unit, and some said they were not informed of the kosher restriction before admission. During the resident council meeting, residents stated their food was not allowed in the facility and that they could only order food on Fridays, which limited their ability to eat foods they wanted. The facility assessment stated it would provide food and nutrition choices to meet personal preferences, but the observed practices and resident reports showed that residents’ individual food preferences were not consistently honored.
Penalty
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