Eating in a Nursing Home

Living in a nursing home can make undernutrition more likely. Residents of nursing homes usually do not get to choose the foods they are served. If they do not like the foods, they may not eat enough. Some residents are placed on restricted diets that are unappealing, such as a low-fat or low-salt diet.

Residents cannot get food when they want it. Meals may be served and taken away at specific times without any consideration of whether a person is hungry. Occasionally, residents are neglected. They may not be given the help or time they need to eat. The food may become cold while they are waiting for someone to help them eat. Or the food may be cold when it arrives. Consequently, they may not eat enough.

Family members can help by talking with staff members about ways to make sure the resident's nutritional needs are being met. They can talk about the resident's food preferences with staff members. This information is especially important if the resident will not eat certain foods.

Family members may offer to bring some of the resident's favorite foods to the nursing home. They can visit during mealtimes. Having family members present may make the resident more interested in eating. They can talk with staff members about making sure that the resident is given enough time to eat and, if needed, help with eating and snacks between meals.