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32 | the numbers of residents living here, they understand that it’s hard to meet all of the residents different food preferences and diets because of the population’s diversity and different upbringing and preferences.
At the time of the initial investigation the facility had a norovirus outbreak and had two menus. The first one had the daily specials, and the second one was an “always available” a la cart menu that had the same items for residents to order throughout the day. Eight out the nine residents felt the second menu gave them a lot of options or alternatives to get around their diet restrictions and they are not limited to choices. Some of the residents said that staff try their best and never denied their choices or requests.
One resident interviewed, R1, said there are no options for their diet restrictions or preferences. R1 said they had a letter from their doctor about their diet restrictions and had given it to the facility. The previous executive director, ED Jennifer Turgeon has said she has never received the resident’s diet restrictions from the doctor. The Health Service Director (HSD) Jazzmyne Jefferies had also never received R1’s diet plan or restrictions and that residents can be on special diets, which they do honor when given to the facility. Based on records review, R1 has no diet restrictions on file. Most of the records, like the physician’s report, reflect no special diet from the doctor. The most recent Diet Clarification Request form indicates no dietary restrictions currently. The current executive director, ED Zehra Syed has never received from R1 any diet restrictions or doctor’s order regarding diet plans as of today since she has been here at the facility.
LPA spoke to the facility dietician and nutritionist. The dietician staff said she did speak to R1 regarding their diet concerns specifically their GERD. It’s her job to provide nutritional information and counseling and it is up to the residents to address their dietary preferences to the executive chef or facility. LPA spoke to the facility nutritionist who conducts mainly kitchen audits and checks food compliance for the facility. She said the facility is very flexible with the resident’s food preferences, whether they are dietary or not. If they wanted lower sodium, sugar free, the facility would accommodate them. She stated that residents can order lots of food based on their food preferences. One staff interviewed said they are not saying no to the residents’ diet and food preferences. She makes sure the facility servers provide options to the residents.
Therefore, based on LPA Tea's observations and interviews conducted and records reviewed the allegation that staff are not following residents dietary plan has been determined to be unsubstantiated meaning that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred.
Complaint investigation continued on LIC9099-C |