Complaint Investigation Report

9099C-1... Allegation: Licensee does not ensure that residents are provided with quality food while in care. The allegation states that residents are given non-nutritional food and food that is poor in quality.

LPA observed the food supply on 9/17/24. LPA observed several bags of groceries to be delivered during the inspection which included fresh and frozen vegetables, and other perishables such as yogurt and bread. The Administrator stated that bulk groceries are purchased on Tuesdays and additional groceries on a different day of the week, depending on the facility's needs.

The Administrator stated there is currently (1) resident (R1) with diabetes and the resident is offered a low carbohydrate diet as much as possible. Resident's physician's report, dated 8/5/24, notes (R1) has a secondary diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes; however, does not indicate that (R1) has a special diet. The Administrator stated (R1) is offered sugar-free desserts as well as brown rice, and vegetables are offered at every meal. The Administrator showed LPA photos taken of meals prepared for residents during the month of October. Staff were asked to provide photos of meals served to ensure they are balanced. The Administrator stated she has had no complaints made about the quality of the food from residents or their families.

(2) staff were interviewed during the investigation. (1) staff stated on 9/17/24 that the facility has a menu and they "sometimes follow it". This staff stated what was served for breakfast and lunch that day and what was planned for dinner. This staff stated (R1) is not on a special diet, but they try not to give (R1) any spaghetti, caregivers will monitor (R1's) carbohydrates and (R1) will take his blood sugar once daily, before breakfast. A second staff stated on 12/2/24 that there is no "set menu" and residents are asked each day what they would like to eat for each meal, stating "most of the time, residents prefer the same food". This staff stated she doesn't take photos of meals served to residents and stated what will be served for dinner tonight. The Administrator stated staff only took photos of the meals in October 2024 for a month.

Both residents interviewed stated they are served fresh food, with a lot of fruits and veggies, and meals are freshly prepared, and the meals are rotated regularly. A family member stated the food seems good, and the facility consistently offers fruit and vegetables with each meal. The Ombudsman conducted a tour on 9/16/24 and did not observe any concerns.

Based on information obtained, LPA finds the allegation to be UNSUBSTANTIATED -meaning that although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred. *cont on 9099C-2.