The average Kentucky nursing home has a capacity of 95 beds with an occupancy rate of 80%.
That means that around 76 residents need to be served three nutritious meals each day. Many of those residents are on dietary restrictions that create additional challenges for the kitchen staff.
Fortunately, for most residents, the nursing home fulfills its obligations. But what if it doesn’t meet those standards? What should you do if you suspect a nursing home resident is neglected during mealtime? The first step is to contact the facility management. You should arrange a meeting with the nursing home’s director.
At that meeting, you will raise your concerns and demand a corrective action plan.
If you are met with resistance, you will need to speak with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney. Your attorney can step in to become your advocate and ensure that your loved one’s needs are being met, starting with their meals.
Identify Common Signs of Nursing Home Mealtime Neglect
The primary reason for transitioning a loved one to a nursing home is the guarantee that they will have all their care needs met. You should not have to worry about whether they are eating, as they will be given three meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the day.
At least, that’s the design.
When staffing is short, mealtime neglect occurs. If it is just a single incident, there might not be lasting harm. However, if the pattern continues, it could compromise your loved one’s health.
You might not recognize the warning signs on a single visit, and your loved one might not be able to communicate what is going on.
Here’s what you have to look out for:
- Significant and unexplained weight loss
- Frail-looking physical appearance
- Sunken eyes
- Dry mouth
- Cracked lips
- Dark urine
- Dizziness
- Sudden fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Severe disorientation
You should also look for full or partially full meal trays that are left behind in the resident’s room. It is also important to observe how the staff interacts with other residents.
Everyone should be treated fairly and with care.
If you spot any of these signs of mealtime neglect, document the incidents. That should include keeping a log of what you observe and when. If there are physical changes, you should take photos and video testimony from your loved one.
Report Mealtime Neglect to Kentucky Regulatory Agencies
In addition to reporting your concerns to the nursing home staff, there are several state agencies where you can also file a report. Each of these agencies has different protocols for responding to complaints. Most will open an immediate investigation and schedule an on-site inspection.
Here’s who you can contact:
- Adult Protective Services (APS): Call 1-877-597-2331 (24/7) to report.
- Office of the Inspector General (OIG): Call 1-502-564-7963 to reach the agency responsible for the regulation and licensing of long-term care facilities.
- You can also submit a complaint to the Division of Regulated Child Care/OIG Call Center.
- Kentucky Attorney General Tip Line: Elder Abuse & Neglect Hotline at 1-877-228-7384 (available 24/7).
- Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Call 1-800-372-2991 or 1-859-277-9215 to file a complaint.
Consult a Lexington Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
When you suspect nursing home mealtime neglect, taking action quickly can make a significant difference in your loved one’s health. The skilled attorneys at Peterson Law Office can step in and serve as advocates for the family.
We can immediately set up a meeting with the facility staff. They’ll be much more inclined to respond promptly when dealing with an attorney. We can also conduct an independent investigation to determine the extent of the mealtime neglect. That investigation will include a thorough review of medical records, staffing logs, and preexisting meal plans. We’ll also interview witnesses to determine whether the facility violated state regulations.
Nursing homes and their insurance companies often try to minimize complaints or explain away signs of malnutrition and dehydration.
If we suspect that’s occurring, we’ll strive to put a stop to it right away.
Our compassionate attorneys understand how devastating it can be to discover that a loved one is not receiving the care they deserve.
If you believe your loved one experienced nursing home mealtime neglect, contact Peterson Law Office today for a free consultation to discuss your options and protect your family member’s rights.