[cyn]

Actually, it can also done "innocently" -- here's how:

Food trays are served in a hospital or nursing home. They are set up on those bedside tables for the patient. The carton of milk or juice may or may not be opened for the person; the top may or may not be taken off the dish. Then the tray is left sitting there. The overbed table may not even be next to the bed!

If nothing else is done, if the patient is unable to fend for herself, or if she does not have a caring aide or advocate, it can look as though Mrs. Brown in Room 112 is just not hungry -- again.

Obviously, it's crucial for the nurses' aides or whoever to ensure that the food actually reaches the patients' mouths! Spoonful by spoonful, if necessary -- as it often is. If there is not time or care taken, things -- PEOPLE -- get missed.

Ah, memories . . . feeding toddlers was a piece of cake after this! But it was rewarding. Especially remembering it now after all these years, with Terri in mind.

[CindyDawg]

This isn't acceptable and should be reported to the DON immediately if noticed. I work at a NH. Anyone that loses a % of wt each month or has a slight but steady decrease is put on a dining program where their intake is closely supervised and weighed weekly. All weight losses must be explainable and are reported to the MD and dietian. I have worked at 3 different facilities and this was done at each one. I just assumed all monitored intake and meals closely.