Failure to Provide Appropriate Dishware and Silverware to Promote Resident Dignity
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident was provided with appropriate dishware and silverware to promote dignity during meals. Record review showed that the resident, who had diagnoses including major depressive disorder, essential hypertension, and generalized anxiety disorder, was cognitively intact and had been receiving disposable dishware and utensils. The use of disposables was originally implemented due to the resident discarding smokeless tobacco into mugs and bowls, but there was no evidence of reassessment to determine if this intervention was still necessary. The resident's care plan indicated a risk for malnutrition, and the use of disposables was discontinued at a later date, but during the period reviewed, the resident continued to receive paper plates and plastic utensils without clear justification. Interviews with the resident and staff confirmed that the resident was unaware of the reason for receiving disposable dishware, and staff could not provide an explanation. The Dietary Director acknowledged that the intervention had been in place since the previous year and that no reassessment had occurred to determine if regular dishware and silverware should be reinstated. Facility policy stated that disposables should only be used in emergency situations, yet multiple residents, including the one reviewed, were receiving them outside of such circumstances.