Complaint Investigation Report

By staff and resident's accounts no meal has ever been denied to a resident in care. Staff interviews reflected that there is an abundance of food made available to residents.

LPA walked through the dining rooms and kitchen area and observed that the weekly food menu is posted across the hall. A print version is posted and then written on a white board in large font. Posted to the right of the menu is an alternative menu sign up sheet. Written above is what the alternative meal is, and below are spaces available for residents to sign up up for the alternative meal.

Kitchen staff reported that there is assigned seating in the dining room. Kitchen staff serve the meals to residents on a cart. Odd number dates, staff serve meals in a clockwise rotation. On even numbered dates, meals are served in a counterclockwise rotation. Certain days a resident may be the first to be served, while other days he may be the last served.

During the review of resident records, it was discovered that facility provides care to residents who suffer from memory impairment, mental illness and sometimes terminal illnesses.

LPA inquired about the facility's policy for when a resident misses a meal due to being out of the facility. It was reported that staff will often keep track of the resident's outings and on the day of the appt. staff will call the kitchen to ask that a meal is saved for the resident on the outing. All staff and residents deny that there isn't enough food made available to them.

During the walk through of the facility, LPA observed a number of resident rooms that contained their own personal refrigerators to keep their own supply of food. Residents are also permitted to leave the facility to obtain their own food if preferred.

Based on observations and interviews, we have found the complaint allegation is unsubstantiated, although the allegation may have happened or is valid: there is not a preponderance of the evidence to prove that the alleged violation occurred.

No deficiencies were observed during this visit. An exit interview was conducted where this report was reviewed, discussed and provided the Facility Administrator.