Residents of California nursing homes have the right to quality food while residing in any type of long term care facility. When a nursing home fails to provide quality food and beverages, elderly residents run the risk of becoming malnourished or dehydrated, which can lead to a whole host of medical complications. However, making sure that elderly residents receive enough food and water/beverages is the bare minimum that a nursing home must provide for its residents.
In addition to providing enough to eat and drink, here is a partial list of reasonable expectations (AKA Care Standards) that are granted residents of California nursing homes:
*Three meals a day at regular times with no more than 14 hours passing between meals.
*Evening/bedtime snack.
*Meals that are served at the proper temperatures.
*Meals that meet national dietary standards.
*Meals prepared using ingredients that have been stored, prepared, distributed and served in sanitary conditions.
California nursing homes must also provide help with making sure tables are available at the right height for patients, for offering optional utensils if necessary, and more. Proper nutrition and fluid intake is vital to the wellbeing of elders residing in nursing homes. Nursing homes that fail to provide quality food and beverages may be engaging in abusive practices.
If you or someone you know is receiving substandard care when it comes to food and beverage quality, or if you feel they are suffering from malnutrition or dehydration while residing in California nursing home, you should contact their doctor immediately. You can also consider contacting a local ombudsman and/or the California Department of Public Health to lodge a complaint.