People live in nursing homes because they cannot consistently meet their own needs anymore. They need someone else to help them bathe and keep their living space clean. They may also rely on nursing home employees to prepare all of their meals.
Despite nursing home employees taking responsibility for preparing and serving meals to residents, malnutrition is a common medical issue among nursing home residents. There are several ways in which nursing homes may violate the rights of residents regarding nutrition and the meals provided by the facility.
Rationing food is improper
Generally speaking, there is an expectation that those living at nursing homes should be able to eat and drink as much as they require for their health and comfort. While offering a reasonable portion size is an appropriate cost management measure, facilities should not deny additional nutrition to those who eat a plated meal and are still hungry afterward.
Additionally, workers should ensure that not only do older adults receive a reasonable amount of calories overall, but also that the meals they receive are balanced, with an appropriate amount of major macronutrients and all necessary micronutrients. Workers should not withhold food from older adults as a form of discipline.
They also need to know when residents have stopped eating and take appropriate steps to address their refusal to feed them. This is often especially true when residents have dementia or Alzheimer’s and lose the ability to eat frequently and/or safely. When malnutrition causes medical complications for those living in nursing homes, concerned family members may need to take legal action.
Filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit in response to nursing home malnutrition can help families cover medical expenses and increased care costs. Malnutrition is generally a preventable issue that can affect an older adult’s quality of life and longevity. Prompt action to address malnutrition can protect those who depend on others for their daily needs.