Nutritional Records in Nursing Homes

Lauren Ellerman

Contributor

0 CommentsPrint ArticleSubscribe

I don't write down what I eat every day - so why are nursing homes required to record a resident's food and water intake? If someone is in a nursing home, they are there because they need skilled care, or additional assistance with activities of daily living. In addition, if elderly, they are likely dealing with many other issues that occur with age - such as, digestion problems, swallowing problems, wound care, fatigue, medication management, diabetes, etc. All of these, are indirectly and directly related to food intake. If you are not eating, or getting the calories you need, then your body cannot fight infection as well; wounds cannot heal; sugar may be low and diabetes may be affected. Food intake is key to patient management.

So as a loved one of a NH resident, if you see they are not eating - DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Bring food from home, and then ask the nurse to record intake. Speak to Dietary Dept. about changes in foods. Someone is not going to be able to heal, participate in physical therapy and or rest, unless their body has the fuel it needs.

For more information on this subject please refer to the section on Nursing Home & Elder Abuse.