Finding Description
**NOTE- TERMS IN BRACKETS HAVE BEEN EDITED TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY** 5. Resident # 34 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses that included history of COVID-19, cerebral palsy, hemiplegia affecting right side, gastroesophageal reflux disease, generalized muscle weakness, history of traumatic brain injury, post traumatic seizures, mood disorder, irritability and anger, and nutritional anemia. According to the most recent Minimum Data Set (MDS), a Quarterly with an Assessment Reference Date (ARD) of 7/1/2021, the resident was assessed under Section C (Cognitive Patterns) as being cognitively intact, with a Summary Score of 15 out of 15.
At approximately 2:45 p.m. on 8/16/2021, Resident # 34 was interviewed regarding the day's noon meal. Asked about the meal, the resident said, There was too much salt. We seem to have the same greens all the time. We had broccoli today, and I don't like broccoli.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on 8/17/2021, Resident # 34 was interviewed about the noon meal for that day which consisted on Beef Stroganoff, Egg Noodles, and Prince [NAME] Vegetables. The resident said he thought the noodles were mushy, and by the time he got his tray, the stroganoff had slid off the noodles and he had a pile of stroganoff and a pile of noodles. Resident # 34 also said, The meat was tough, I had trouble chewing it.
6. Resident # 15 was admitted to the facility on [DATE], and most recently readmitted on [DATE] with diagnoses that included hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, anxiety disorder, depression, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. According to the most recent MDS, a Quarterly with an ARD of 4/23/2021, the resident was assessed under Section C (Cognitive Patterns) as being moderately cognitively impaired, with a Summary Score of 11 out of 15.
During an interview at approximately 11:30 a.m. on 8/16/2021, the Resident # 15 was asked what she had for breakfast. I had french toast and a sausage patty, she replied. Asked if the meal was good, she replied, Not so much. The sausage patty was like a hockey puck.
7. Resident # 78 in the survey sample, a [AGE] year-old male, was admitted to the facility on [DATE], and most recently readmitted on [DATE] with diagnoses that included coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, urinary tract infection, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, dementia, hemiplegia, and depression. According to the most recent MDS, a Quarterly with an ARD of 7/30/2021, the resident was assessed under Section C (Cognitive Patterns) as being cognitively intact with a Summary Score of 15 out of 15.
At approximately 1:15 p.m. on 8/16/2021, Resident # 78 was asked about the day's noon meal. It was so-so, he said. There are too many greens. I'm tired of it. There is so much broccoli that I don't eat it anymore. The resident went on to say, The food has no taste. They serve the same thing, just change the flavor a little.
8. At 1:00 p.m. on 8/18/2021, the facility's Registered Dietitian (RD) was interviewed by telephone regarding a number of food related issues, including the lack of an alternate meal, the palatability of the food, and the failure to prepare the full menu. Regarding alternate meal choices, the RD said, I think they have the alternate choice in the kitchen, I don't think it's posted. The residents don't know what the alternate menu is. I don't think we've ever had a menu in the (resident's) room. It's just posted on the wall up front. Continuing, the RD said, We need good communication with nursing and staff so they (the residents) will know what's going on with their meals.
Regarding complaints of overcooked vegetables, the RD said, At one point we were just steaming them, but there were complaints so we started cooking that (vegetables) more. Maybe that is why they are complaining now because of this change. When advised rice, which was on the menu on 8/17/2021, was not made because, according to the Certified Dietary Manager, We don't make it (rice) unless we have to, the RD stated, I was not aware of that.
3. Resident #23 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses that included coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. The minimum data set (MDS) dated [DATE] assessed Resident #23 as cognitively intact.
On 8/16/21 at 11:56 a.m., Resident #23 was interviewed about quality of life and care in the facility. Resident #23 stated during this interview that the meals and food were generally not good. Resident #23 stated the food served was the same thing all the time with little variety or choices about food items. Resident #23 stated too much broccoli was served and that most vegetables were over-cooked and mush. Resident #23 stated the food items were like a pile on the plate and did not look appetizing. Resident #23 stated it was no good to complain because he did not think it would do any good.
4. Resident #55 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses that included anemia, hypertension, end stage renal disease with hemodialysis, diabetes, anxiety, depression and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The minimum data set (MDS) dated [DATE] assessed Resident #55 as cognitively intact.
On 8/17/21 at 8:30 a.m., Resident #55 was interviewed about quality of life and care in the facility. Resident #55 stated during this interview that she did not like the way meals/food were prepared. Resident #55 stated the vegetables were over-cooked and the food did not look good when served. Resident #55 stated there was little variety or choice about menu items and she was tired of getting the same foods repeatedly. Resident #55 stated she ate what she wanted but left food items on her plate if they did not look good.2. Resident #83 a resident admitted to the facility on [DATE] with a cognitive score of 14 was interviewed regarding food on 08/16/21 at 12:57 PM. The resident stated that she has lost weight since being admitted and that the facility had implemented interventions to help with that. Resident #83 had received her lunch tray which consisted of chicken and dumplings, broccoli (pale green in color), a roll, a ice cream cup, and a cup of pears with an unknown red substance sprinkled on them, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The resident stated that staff will put the sandwich on her tray if she doesn't like or eat what is served and they have been doing that for about two or three months and they put it on the lunch and dinner tray. Resident #83 pointed to the broccoli and stated, I doubt if I eat that. Resident #83 stated that the food is overcooked.
On 08/17/21 at 8:20 AM, Resident #83 was again observed. Resident #83 had her breakfast tray in front of her. The resident had scrambled eggs, ground sausage, cereal, and a coffee cake type bread. The resident stated that she did not like eggs, never has unless it in something. The resident stated that the cake was dry. When asked about the ground sausage, the resident replied that she didn't know what it was, it didn't look like sausage and it certainly didn't taste like it and she wasn't going to eat it. Resident #83 stated that she liked sausage, but whatever that was didn't taste like sausage.
Resident #83's CCP [comprehensive care plan] documented, .increased nutrition/hydration risk related to: varied po [by mouth] intake .on a mechanically altered diet .at risk for malnutrition per MNA [malnutrition assessment] . Resident will tolerate least restrictive safe diet consistency .meet nutritional needs despite varied intake .encourage intake .Respect resident dietary choices .Review preferences per routine and PRN [as needed] .Dietary Manager, Dietitian, Nursing .
On 08/17/21 at approximately 8:30 AM, Resident # 11 admitted to the facility on [DATE], with a cognitive score of 15 was asked about the food. Resident # 11 stated that it isn't fit to eat. The resident stated that everything is overcooked and is like mush. Resident #11's CCP [comprehensive care plan] was reviewed and documented, .increased nutrition/hydration risk related to: varied po [by mouth] intake, on therapeutic diet, and refusal to eat at times .Meet nutritional needs despite varied intake .Respect resident dietary choices .review preferences per routine and PRN [as needed] .Dietary Manager,Dietitian,Nursing .
On 08/17/21 at 1:18 PM a test tray was completed on the [NAME] unit. The meal consisted of beef tips with gravy over noodles, green bean medley and a blondie [similar to a brownie].
The noodles were sticky and not formed. The temperature was 134 degrees, and the noodles tasted overcooked and bland. The beef tips and gravy was tender and a bit salty, the green bean medley was overcooked and sweet tasting.
On 08/18/21 at 1:15 PM the dietary manager was interviewed and stated that they will add salt and sugar, but stated that it wasn't added yesterday. The dietary manager stated that resident's were complaining of things being undercooked [like vegetables] and stated that they would need to try to find a balance.
No further information and/or documentation was presented prior to the exit conference on 08/18/21 at 2:45 PM.Based on resident interview, resident council group interview, staff interview, and a test tray observation, the facility staff failed to ensure food served was palatable and attractive in appearance for 8 residents in the survey sample. Resident #57, #83, #11, #55, #23, #15, #34, and #78 complained about the taste and appearance of the food.
The findings include:
On 08/17/2021 at 10:45 a.m. a group interview was conducted with 7 cognitively intact residents. Residents in the group complained about the food palatability and appearance. Comments from the group included: .the vegetables are salty, there is an over abundance of broccoli, carrots and peas. The only substitutes are soup and/or a sandwich. The food is tough, the broccoli is sometimes cooked to death, and sometimes not cooked enough. The food looks like it is dumped on the plate. No one comes around to ask about food preferences. There is hardly no chicken in the chicken and dumplings. There is some kind of black spicy seasoning on a lot of the food. If you ask for a snack, they tell you the kitchen is closed and they don't come around and ask if you want a snack .
1. Resident #57 was admitted to the facility on [DATE] with diagnoses that included hypothyroidism, hypertension, spinal stenosis, fusion of spine, depression, periprosthetic fracture of left shoulder prosthetic joint, muscle weakness. The most recent minimum data set (MDS) dated [DATE] was the 5 day/admission assessment and assessed Resident #57 as cognitively intact for daily decision making with a score of 14 out of 15.
On 08/16/2021 at 12:45 p.m., Resident #57 and his significant other were interviewed about the quality of care including food/nutrition since being admitted to the facility. Resident #57 stated, the food isn't good and it could certainly use some improvement. I don't like it. My girlfriend brings me food and snacks. They are now giving me a sandwich with lunch and dinner in case I don't like what I get on my tray. The food just tastes bland. Resident #57's significant other stated, there is no variety or options to pick from, it always broccoli of some sort. Resident #57 was asked if anyone had discussed his food preferences with him. Resident #57 stated, yes someone from the kitchen has done that a few times. It's not that I get what I don't like on my tray. It's just the food tastes horrible.
Resident #57's clinical record was reviewed on 08/16/2021. Observed in the progress notes was the following:
7/28/2021 10:04. Dietary Note Text: [Resident #57] has triggered for a 3% weight loss. He states he does not always like our food here. Requested a sandwich with lunch/dinner meals in case he doesn't want what is served. Sandwich added to diet card. Continue to monitor weight weekly until stable.
On 08/17/2021 at 12:45 p.m., trays on the East Unit were started and completed delivery at 12:57 p.m. On 08/17/2021 at 12:58 p.m. on the East Unit the food on the test tray was temped by the Dietary Manager (OS #1) . The tray consisted of beef stroganoff with brown gravy over top of egg noodles and a vegetable blend which OS #1 identified as Prince [NAME] Blend, consisting of green and white green beans and carrots. Both the beef stroganoff with brown gravy and egg noodles and the vegetable blend were temped at 140 degrees. The food was tasted by both surveyors on the East Unit. The vegetable blend was mushy, overcooked and tasted sweet. The beef stroganoff with brown gravy and egg noodles tasted salty; the beef was tender and the noodles were overcooked. There was no bread or dessert on the test tray. OS #1 was asked if the staff added salt when preparing the food. OS #1 stated, we don't add salt, we do use a salt-substitute seasoning and black pepper. OS #1 was asked if the dietary staff added sugar and/or butter/margarine when preparing the food. OS #1 stated , yes we do use sugar and butter. I'm not sure if they were added to this meal. OS #1 was asked if the beef was precooked or prepared onsite. OS #1 stated, that is beef tips that we cook and prepare onsite and the gravy is a mix.
On 08/17/2021 at 4:45 p.m., the above findings were discussed during a meeting with the administrator, director of nursing and corporate consultant.
On 08/18/21 at 12:52 p.m., the dietary manager (OS #1) was interviewed regarding the concerns with the test tray and other food complaints made by the residents. OS #1 was asked if she had received any complaints regarding the food palpability and appearance. OS #1 stated, no she was not aware of any complaints until the survey team told her. OS #1 stated the salty taste in the beef could have come from the gravy mix. OS #1 stated the menu has two cycles which changes every 6 months and the new cycle would start in the fall. OS #1 stated the current cycle consisted of a lot of vegetable blends that included carrots and broccoli. OS #1 was asked how long the food usually sat on the steam table after being cooked. OS#1 stated, it may sit up to an hour on the steam table. It just depends on how long it takes to deliver all the trays to the units.
On 08/18/2021 at 1:02 p.m., a telephone interview was conducted with the registered dietitian (OS #5). OS #5 was asked if she was aware of the above concerns regarding food palatability and appearance. OS #5 stated at one point the dietary staff was only steaming the vegetable blends, but the residents complained so they started cooking them more and this maybe why there were recent complaints the vegetables were overcooked because of the change. OS #5 stated she was not aware of the food concerns discussed with her by the survey team.