Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** Based on observation, interview, and record review the facility failed to ensure that residents were treated with dignity and respect when residents were required to use plastic silverware for meals which diminished the homelike dining experience in two (Resident #33 and #73) and the potential to affect all residents that utilize utensils during meal service. Findings include:Review of the medical record reflected R33 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] and readmitted on [DATE]. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) reflected R33 scored 15 out of 15 (cognitively intact) on the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS-a cognitive screening tool).
On 12/09/2025 at 2:36 PM, R33 was observed in bed. R33 was dressed, however, multiple orange stains on R33's shirt were observed. R33 stated that she struggled feeding herself lunch that day. R33 explained that she utilized adaptive equipment and can feed herself when it is provided, except more recently, the facility had been utilizing plastic spoons instead of actual silverware, making it difficult to feed herself without spilling food all over herself. R33 explained that the difference in utensil weight and the spoon handle make a significant difference when self-feeding. R33 confirmed that the spots on her shirt were content of her lunch earlier that day. R33 stated that it made her feel humiliated.
During an observation, interview and record review on 12/09/2025 at 12:10 PM several residents were sitting in Main Dining Room and staff were present appearing to be getting ready to serve lunch. Review of the posted menu located behind the silverware at the serving window reflected tomato Florentine soup, Korean BBQ chicken, moist fluffy rice, curried cauliflower, [NAME] gelatin, margarin, and 2% milk was on the menu for lunch. Continued observation with limited silverware noted in holder and several plastic silverware observed in room trays in carts located by the kitchenette. During an interview, Certified Nurse Aid DD reported staff must use plastic silverware when they run out when preparing room trays. Observed some trays with mix of metal and plastic with about half of trays (about 15 to 20 trays) with plastic silverware. CNA DD reported ran out of metal silverware about halfway through room tray prep. CNA DD reported had been issue for about one month and staff have reported to management that they run out of real silverware but continues to be an issue and residents' complaint because difficult to eat with flimsy plastic. CNA DD reported kitchen often runs out of food as well including that morning when several residents had ordered the pancakes, but kitchen ran out and served toast instead and times when they start to run low residents get smaller portions. CNA DD reported residents choose what they want when they arrive at the dining room from meal ticket that has only one choice on it for entrée and reported facility has alternative options, but kitchen staff often say they are not available at least daily. CNA K verified issues with not enough metal silverware and food and reported staff do not have enough blue handled cups with lids to pass water to resident or serve during meals and most don't have lids and have to use poor fitting disposable lids and observed use of thin clear plastic disposable lid used on several cups. CNA K reported if residents require two handled mugs and not available, they do the best they can and provide one handled mugs. Observed clear two handled mugs with lids that do not fit. CNA K reported food service has been a problem for months that frequently run out of food and often do not serve what is on the menu with at least four to five changes in kitchen management since contracted company change. CNA K reported residents complain about having to eat from plastic silverware and ask staff, are we in kindergarten? CNA K reported not homelike and alternative menu items not available except peanut butter and jelly or maybe tuna fish sandwich. CNA K and J reported often run out of 8-ounce glasses and must use two four-ounce glasses for residents that require 8 ounces of milk, with meal or give two four-ounce cups of juice if residents request more juice. CNA J and K reported facility had run out of milk in past as well and reported kitchen staff have had issues with staffing and not enough staff, and facility staff have had to assist in the kitchen over within past two months. CNA J reported one day cinnamon rolls were on the menus and the kitchen had run out and so they served Hawaiian rolls with cinnamon on the top and resident were disappointed.
Review of the Face Sheet and Minimum Data Set (MDS) dated [DATE], reflected R73 was a [AGE] year-old female admitted to the facility on [DATE], with diagnoses that included heart disease, congestive heart failure, diabetic, diverticulosis, irritable bowel, and depression. The MDS reflected R73 had a BIM (assessment tool) score of 15 which indicated her ability to make daily decisions was cognitively intact, and she required assist with meal set up and clean up.
During an observation and interview on 12/09/2025 at 2:29 PM, R73 was in room sitting in a wheelchair and appeared calm, pleasant and able to answer questions without difficulty. R73 reported food at facility was bad and stated was served hot dogs 3 times last week. R73 stated, It is bad enough I have to be here, then I get bad food. R73 reported chooses to eat meals in room and two to three times a week has to eat meals with plastic silverware and stated, I pay a lot of money to be here and should not have to eat with plastic silverware. R73 reported was served corn last week and should not have been related to diagnosis and had lost weight recently. R73 stated, food is just not good, after starting to appear upset. R73 reported daughter was working on completing grievance form for food issues.
During an observation, interview and record review on 12/10/2025 at 2:00 PM R73 was sitting in room with meal tray at side that had been delivered to room recently. There appeared to be wide egg noodles with ground white meat and pesto, with gravy. asparagus, puree cabbage soup, roll, and Strawberry Bavarian. R73 reported was finished stated, I ate something because I knew I had to eat something. R73 ate roll about 75% asparagus, and 25% entrée. The pureed cabbage soup was untouched as well as dessert. The strawberry dessert appeared to be pureed strawberry over pudding and pureed soup looked like dark mashed potatoes. R73 reported she really liked soup but not like that and did not care for looks of dessert and reported enjoyed sherbet but never offered. R73 meal ticket included entrée of 1 each S. Beef Hot Dog (turkey written in), garlic noodles, 6 ounces puree cabbage soup, roll, and Strawberry Bavarian with texture of regular ground.
During an interview on 12/11/2025 at 11:15 am, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) NN reported shortage of cups, lids and silverware for about 2 weeks and residents complain and staff assist with grievance reports.
During an interview on 12/11/2025 11:55 PM R73 observed in room drinking from broken blue mug with disposable lid. R73 demonstrated handle was broken and lid was leaking. R73 reported daughter had brought dinner it last evening and verified weight loss since facility admission because she does not always eat food because often does not like served food.
During an observation on 12/11/2025 at 12:40 p.m., in main dining room residents observed eating with plastic silverware.
During an observation, interview and record review on 12/11/25 at 2:45 p.m., observed R73 meal tray at the bedside untouched with R73 in bed with eyes closed. The meal ticket reflected puree chicken noodle soup, stuffed pork chop, Brussel Sprouts, apple crisp. The tray included what appeared to be mashed potatoes, brown substance that looked like consistency of mashed potatoes, scoop of large grain multi color item, green beans and apple crisp with regular ground texture. R73 daughter entered room about 2:50 p.m. and reported R73 had ground meat because it was easier to chew not related to choking concerns and verified unsure why facility would puree pork chop or soup. R73 daughter reported R73 really likes soup.
During an interview on 12/11/2025 at 3:10 PM, CNA GG reported alternative meals posted but told by kitchen staff not available at least daily including grilled cheese and mashed potatoes. CNA GG reported residents should have choices for meals and have basic options available. CNA GG reported facility has shortage of blue mugs and lids that fit properly for several weeks.
During an interview on 12/11/2025 at 4:00 PM Kitchen Manager (KM) F reported had worked at the facility for about three months. KM F reported food modifications were ordered by Speech Therapy and kitchen staff are expected to follow meal tickets. KM F reported R73 had a hot dog on her meal ticket yesterday at lunch because maybe that is what she wanted and reported main entrée was pesto turkey and should have been R73 main entree on ticket with meat ground per order. KM F was unable to say why R73 had hot dog on ticket as main entrée and unable to say why R73's meal ticket had pureed chicken noodle soup today (12/11/25). KM F reported ground meal should look like ground meat and reported Brussel Sprouts were on the lunch menu today but kitchen staff had to substitute for green beans for quality reasons at the last minute. KM F reported couscous was served with lunch today (not on menu) but unable to say why it was served to R73 and verified was not on R73 meal ticket. KM F reported had ordered metal silverware three times since September and received more on 12/9/25 and reported was unsure where they go and may be issue with residents' hording silverware.
During an interview on 12/15/2025 at 8:54 AM, Dietician H reported was familiar with R73. Dietician H reported R73 had several food eversions on admission and regular diet with ground meat was current texture order for meats only not related to swallowing issues. Dietician H reported if chunks of meat in soup would puree even if ground meat. Dietician H verified R73 had significant weight loss and was not on supplements currently. Dietician H reported alternate menu always available.
During an observation on 12/15/2025 at 9:52 AM, R73 was observed in bed with eyes closed and untouched meal tray on bedside table. R73 meal ticket, dated 12/15/25 breakfast, included circled fresh grapes and corn flakes. Observed applesauce and corn flakes with no fresh grapes.
Review of R73 Speech Therapy Evaluation, dated 10/23/25, reflected, Regular solids with ground meats, thin liquids. Inadequate mastication of tough meats .Pt's[patients] diet prior to ST[speech therapy] was regular solid, thin liquids. Pt's diet was downgraded to regular solids with ground meats due to pt's preference and inconsistency of cook on eat in the facility .
Review of R73 Nutritional Assessment, dated 10/24/25, reflected grapes were on R73 list of liked foods. Continued review of the assessment reflected, Resident denies chewing or swallowing issues with current texture, Recent downgraded to ground meats r/t troubles with chewing some.
Review of R73 Dietary Note, dated 11/18/25, reflected, Inadequate oral intakes r/t[related to] poor appetite AEB [as evidenced by] highly variable intakes and 10% weight loss x 6 mos. [times six months] .
Review of the Grievance Log, dated 9/1/25 through 11/24/25, reflected over 25 kitchen/food complaints related to plastic silverware, food preferences not being honored, available alternatives, lack of cups with lids, food temps and modifications.
During a second interview on 12/15/25 at about 10:15 a.m. Dietician H reported was unsure why R73 was provided applesauce instead of requested fresh grapes and verified grapes were liked items.
During an interview on 12/15/2025 at 11:03 AM, Speech Therapy (ST)HH reported R73 did not have swallowing issues but was started after request of resident on 10/24/25 visits with speech therapy because resident was tiring with chewing and was easier for resident. ST HH reported was unsure why soup was puree and stated that would be kitchen staff.
On 12/09/2025 at 2:36 PM, R33 was observed in bed. R33 was dressed, however, multiple orange stains on R33's shirt were observed. R33 stated that she struggled feeding herself lunch that day. R33 explained that she utilized adaptive equipment and can feed herself when it is provided, except more recently, the facility had been utilizing plastic spoons instead of actual silverware, making it difficult to feed herself without spilling food all over herself. R33 explained that the difference in utensil weight and the spoon handle make a significant difference when self-feeding. R33 confirmed that the spots on her shirt were content of her lunch earlier that day. R33 stated that it made her feel humiliated.
During an observation, interview and record review on 12/09/2025 at 12:10 PM several residents were sitting in Main Dining Room and staff were present appearing to be getting ready to serve lunch. Review of the posted menu located behind the silverware at the serving window reflected tomato Florentine soup, Korean BBQ chicken, moist fluffy rice, curried cauliflower, [NAME] gelatin, margarin, and 2% milk was on the menu for lunch. Continued observation with limited silverware noted in holder and several plastic silverware observed in room trays in carts located by the kitchenette. During an interview, Certified Nurse Aid DD reported staff must use plastic silverware when they run out when preparing room trays. Observed some trays with mix of metal and plastic with about half of trays (about 15 to 20 trays) with plastic silverware. CNA DD reported ran out of metal silverware about halfway through room tray prep. CNA DD reported had been issue for about one month and staff have reported to management that they run out of real silverware but continues to be an issue and residents' complaint because difficult to eat with flimsy plastic. CNA DD reported kitchen often runs out of food as well including that morning when several residents had ordered the pancakes, but kitchen ran out and served toast instead and times when they start to run low residents get smaller portions. CNA DD reported residents choose what they want when they arrive at the dining room from meal ticket that has only one choice on it for entrée and reported facility has alternative options, but kitchen staff often say they are not available at least daily. CNA K verified issues with not enough metal silverware and food and reported staff do not have enough blue handled cups with lids to pass water to resident or serve during meals and most don't have lids and have to use poor fitting disposable lids and observed use of thin clear plastic disposable lid used on several cups. CNA K reported if residents require two handled mugs and not available, they do the best they can and provide one handled mugs. Observed clear two handled mugs with lids that do not fit. CNA K reported food service has been a problem for months that frequently run out of food and often do not serve what is on the menu with at least four to five changes in kitchen management since contracted company change. CNA K reported residents complain about having to eat from plastic silverware and ask staff, are we in kindergarten? CNA K reported not homelike and alternative menu items not available except peanut butter and jelly or maybe tuna fish sandwich. CNA K and J reported often run out of 8-ounce glasses and must use two four-ounce glasses for residents that require 8 ounces of milk, with meal or give two four-ounce cups of juice if residents request more juice. CNA J and K reported facility had run out of milk in past as well and reported kitchen staff have had issues with staffing and not enough staff, and facility staff have had to assist in the kitchen over within past two months. CNA J reported one day cinnamon rolls were on the menus and the kitchen had run out and so they served Hawaiian rolls with cinnamon on the top and resident were disappointed.
Review of the Face Sheet and Minimum Data Set (MDS) dated [DATE], reflected R73 was a [AGE] year-old female admitted to the facility on [DATE], with diagnoses that included heart disease, congestive heart failure, diabetic, diverticulosis, irritable bowel, and depression. The MDS reflected R73 had a BIM (assessment tool) score of 15 which indicated her ability to make daily decisions was cognitively intact, and she required assist with meal set up and clean up.
During an observation and interview on 12/09/2025 at 2:29 PM, R73 was in room sitting in a wheelchair and appeared calm, pleasant and able to answer questions without difficulty. R73 reported food at facility was bad and stated was served hot dogs 3 times last week. R73 stated, It is bad enough I have to be here, then I get bad food. R73 reported chooses to eat meals in room and two to three times a week has to eat meals with plastic silverware and stated, I pay a lot of money to be here and should not have to eat with plastic silverware. R73 reported was served corn last week and should not have been related to diagnosis and had lost weight recently. R73 stated, food is just not good, after starting to appear upset. R73 reported daughter was working on completing grievance form for food issues.
During an observation, interview and record review on 12/10/2025 at 2:00 PM R73 was sitting in room with meal tray at side that had been delivered to room recently. There appeared to be wide egg noodles with ground white meat and pesto, with gravy. asparagus, puree cabbage soup, roll, and Strawberry Bavarian. R73 reported was finished stated, I ate something because I knew I had to eat something. R73 ate roll about 75% asparagus, and 25% entrée. The pureed cabbage soup was untouched as well as dessert. The strawberry dessert appeared to be pureed strawberry over pudding and pureed soup looked like dark mashed potatoes. R73 reported she really liked soup but not like that and did not care for looks of dessert and reported enjoyed sherbet but never offered. R73 meal ticket included entrée of 1 each S. Beef Hot Dog (turkey written in), garlic noodles, 6 ounces puree cabbage soup, roll, and Strawberry Bavarian with texture of regular ground.
During an interview on 12/11/2025 at 11:15 am, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) NN reported shortage of cups, lids and silverware for about 2 weeks and residents complain and staff assist with grievance reports.
During an interview on 12/11/2025 11:55 PM R73 observed in room drinking from broken blue mug with disposable lid. R73 demonstrated handle was broken and lid was leaking. R73 reported daughter had brought dinner it last evening and verified weight loss since facility admission because she does not always eat food because often does not like served food.
During an observation on 12/11/2025 at 12:40 p.m., in main dining room residents observed eating with plastic silverware.
During an observation, interview and record review on 12/11/25 at 2:45 p.m., observed R73 meal tray at the bedside untouched with R73 in bed with eyes closed. The meal ticket reflected puree chicken noodle soup, stuffed pork chop, Brussel Sprouts, apple crisp. The tray included what appeared to be mashed potatoes, brown substance that looked like consistency of mashed potatoes, scoop of large grain multi color item, green beans and apple crisp with regular ground texture. R73 daughter entered room about 2:50 p.m. and reported R73 had ground meat because it was easier to chew not related to choking concerns and verified unsure why facility would puree pork chop or soup. R73 daughter reported R73 really likes soup.
During an interview on 12/11/2025 at 3:10 PM, CNA GG reported alternative meals posted but told by kitchen staff not available at least daily including grilled cheese and mashed potatoes. CNA GG reported residents should have choices for meals and have basic options available. CNA GG reported facility has shortage of blue mugs and lids that fit properly for several weeks.
During an interview on 12/11/2025 at 4:00 PM Kitchen Manager (KM) F reported had worked at the facility for about three months. KM F reported food modifications were ordered by Speech Therapy and kitchen staff are expected to follow meal tickets. KM F reported R73 had a hot dog on her meal ticket yesterday at lunch because maybe that is what she wanted and reported main entrée was pesto turkey and should have been R73 main entree on ticket with meat ground per order. KM F was unable to say why R73 had hot dog on ticket as main entrée and unable to say why R73's meal ticket had pureed chicken noodle soup today (12/11/25). KM F reported ground meal should look like ground meat and reported Brussel Sprouts were on the lunch menu today but kitchen staff had to substitute for green beans for quality reasons at the last minute. KM F reported couscous was served with lunch today (not on menu) but unable to say why it was served to R73 and verified was not on R73 meal ticket. KM F reported had ordered metal silverware three times since September and received more on 12/9/25 and reported was unsure where they go and may be issue with residents' hording silverware.
During an interview on 12/15/2025 at 8:54 AM, Dietician H reported was familiar with R73. Dietician H reported R73 had several food eversions on admission and regular diet with ground meat was current texture order for meats only not related to swallowing issues. Dietician H reported if chunks of meat in soup would puree even if ground meat. Dietician H verified R73 had significant weight loss and was not on supplements currently. Dietician H reported alternate menu always available.
During an observation on 12/15/2025 at 9:52 AM, R73 was observed in bed with eyes closed and untouched meal tray on bedside table. R73 meal ticket, dated 12/15/25 breakfast, included circled fresh grapes and corn flakes. Observed applesauce and corn flakes with no fresh grapes.
Review of R73 Speech Therapy Evaluation, dated 10/23/25, reflected, Regular solids with ground meats, thin liquids. Inadequate mastication of tough meats .Pt's[patients] diet prior to ST[speech therapy] was regular solid, thin liquids. Pt's diet was downgraded to regular solids with ground meats due to pt's preference and inconsistency of cook on eat in the facility .
Review of R73 Nutritional Assessment, dated 10/24/25, reflected grapes were on R73 list of liked foods. Continued review of the assessment reflected, Resident denies chewing or swallowing issues with current texture, Recent downgraded to ground meats r/t troubles with chewing some.
Review of R73 Dietary Note, dated 11/18/25, reflected, Inadequate oral intakes r/t[related to] poor appetite AEB [as evidenced by] highly variable intakes and 10% weight loss x 6 mos. [times six months] .
Review of the Grievance Log, dated 9/1/25 through 11/24/25, reflected over 25 kitchen/food complaints related to plastic silverware, food preferences not being honored, available alternatives, lack of cups with lids, food temps and modifications.
During a second interview on 12/15/25 at about 10:15 a.m. Dietician H reported was unsure why R73 was provided applesauce instead of requested fresh grapes and verified grapes were liked items.
During an interview on 12/15/2025 at 11:03 AM, Speech Therapy (ST)HH reported R73 did not have swallowing issues but was started after request of resident on 10/24/25 visits with speech therapy because resident was tiring with chewing and was easier for resident. ST HH reported was unsure why soup was puree and stated that would be kitchen staff.