1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32 | A review of the facility menus for the months of March-September 2020 indicated that although the menu had less options than previously offered, residents still were afforded options. Interviews with dining staff confirmed that most of the food is considered low-salt, and seasoning is provided as requested. In addition, the facility menus represented that there were low-sugar dessert options for residents that could not consume concentrated sweets. However, resident interviews indicated that whereas they were dissatisfied with the options provided, they confirmed that the served food still able to meet dietary needs as necessary. Residents reiterated that they were able to select what was on the menu at will, and that they were not forced to eat anything that they did not want to eat. Interviews, including those whom cared for R1 and served meals to R1, revealed that R1 had the choice to pick foods that fit their dietary standards, yet R1 was free to select meals that they wanted. Staff said that they were unable to force residents to eat certain foods, yet staff stated that they would regularly remind R1 of their dietary limitations. Staff claimed that R1 would often adhere to their prescribed diet, but often would select other options to their liking.
Based on the information obtained, there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that the facility staff did not provide for resident’s dietary needs. Staff claimed that they would remind R1 of their limitations, but R1 would still opt to eat what they desired. The menus reviewed indicated that the residents still had the option to eat foods that were prescribed per their dietary limitations, yet residents would opt to choose food of their liking. This allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time.
Allegation: Facility staff did not notify R1's authorized representative of a change in the resident's condition
It was alleged that R1 suffered a change of condition and the responsible party was not notified. Interviews and records reviewed indicated that R1 began displaying a cognitive decline in March 2020. Beginning in approximately April 2020, the facility began to electronically send completed and updated assessments to the authorized representative(s) via email and would obtain electronic signatures. The LPA reviewed email communication from 4/15/2020, 5/14/2020 and 6/5/2020, indicating that R1’s authorized representative had reviewed the updated assessment for R1. Minimal updates were noted on the April 2020 and May 2020 assessments, yet the assessment completed in June 2020 indicated that R1 required assistance with incontinent care, needed status checks, and assistance with housekeeping and laundry services.
In addition, the LPA reviewed internal facility communication logs to identify where R1’s authorized representative was contacted regarding any changes. Due to COVID restrictions, the statewide Stay-At-Home Order, and direction from local health department and the local licensing agency, residents were required to stay in their rooms and were unable to visit the other residents.
|