Complaint·February 9, 2024

LPA observed the dining room areas in separate sections of the facility and found the food items on the menu to be of good quality while served to residents. The facility has a main kitchen for residents of the facility off the main dining room. LPA toured the kitchen and observed the food supply. All foods observed were of good quality. There was no indication of any expired/stale food items, and all food items were stored properly at correct temperatures. During the LPA's touring of the kitchen area, policies and procedures on the handling of food were observed and food items had the dates that they were received by the facility labeled on the food product. There were no observable deficiencies in the quality of the food at the facility. On 02/09/2024, LPA interviewed residents and staff about the quality of the food and meals served in the facility. Most of the residents interviewed indicated the food was of good quality, the meat was cooked to the level of doneness ordered, there was a good variety of foods, and healthy options are available as well as “less healthy” options. Some residents interviewed stated that the food has improved during their time in the facility, and they had no complaints about the food. A minority of residents interviewed indicated they would like better quality meats and would like additional choices. All Staff members interviewed by the LPA denied stating to any resident that the facility must scale back on the food budget. LPA was provided with pertinent documentation by the facility including a facility menu, meal schedule, and resident documentation relating to any dietary restrictions if applicable. The residents have a weekly dining menu posted by the facility (Monday-Sunday) that has a lunch meal and a dinner meal daily. The LPA observed sufficient variety in the daily lunch and dinner options for residents. The residents may also fill out an alternative meal form for a lunch request and/or a dinner request if they do not want the provided daily meals. For daily breakfast options, the residents provide a documented form that they fill out for their own breakfast choice daily. These include a variety of options including cooked/non-cooked/hot/cold options. The facility works with a dietician that is the individual who creates the weekly menu schedule. The facility also posts a Resident Food Allergy/Resident Foods to Avoid Document on the bulletin board in the dining room/kitchen area which lists any resident who has dietary restrictions and needs alternative provisions. The facility has a documented written contract Agreement for Registered Dietician Consultation Services with Dietician Company, for a period of one (1) year commencing on 09/01/2023. The responsibilities of the Consultant Dietician include planning meals, maintaining standards of food selection, receiving, storage, preparation, service, safety, and security. The Consultant Dietician selects and procures food to meet optimal resident nutrition. The Consultant Dietician participates in the development and review of individual resident care plans, and provides counseling on resident nutritional needs. Continued on 9099-C The Dietician Company agreement with the facility includes weekly posting menus, daily production menus, standardized recipes, weekly purchasing guides, nutritional analysis, menu approval forms, as well as updates to maintain current regulatory and accepted standards of practice. In addition to LPA observations, interviews, and record review of the facility on 02/09/2024 for the initial complaint investigation visit, LPA had previously inspected the kitchen and food service of the facility on 10/10/2023 during a required annual facility site inspection visit. During the 10/10/2023 annual facility site inspection, The LPA inspected the kitchen/food service area and observed that all kitchen appliances were in operable condition and looked clean/in good repair. The LPA observed perishable items in good condition, with proper expiration dates precluding the perishable items from expiring. The facility has a sufficient supply of perishable and non-perishable food, which would last 7 days. Additional perishable food items were maintained on a shelf and/or an extra freezer. The hot water temperature was measured in the kitchen at an appropriate temperature as per the regulation. The kitchen was clean and sanitary, with covered trashcans and operating ventilation systems. No toxic substances are stored in any food preparation or storage area, and all cleaning supplies for the kitchen are kept in a separate area than the food supplies. The freezer and refrigerator were both in the appropriate temperate Fahrenheit. LPA observed enough equipment for the storage, preparation, and service of food. LPA additionally observed the preparation of meals for residents and found no observable deficiencies in the preparation of meals or quality of ingredients. Based on the information obtained, there was insufficient evidence to prove the allegation. Therefore, the allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. Exit interview conducted, a copy of this report was provided to the facility.