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M
medmistakes Asked December 2021

AL resident (97) missed breakfast and no one woke her and got her ready to get down to eat. She was told it’s too late now. Thoughts?

I overheard a nurse tell a 97 year old al resident it was time to get up and get dressed. Can’t sleep 24 hrs. She asked for breakfast and was told it’s too late for breakfast. You should have been down there on time. It’s now 8:23 am on Dec 22nd. Is it not the responsibility of staff to make sure she is up so she can get to breakfast on time? She just had to go with out. She asked for a boxed food or anything. I don’t know if this is something to be turned in or should I mind my own business. Thank you

JoAnn29 Dec 2021
I would say that the woman's care plan does not have staff get her up and dress her and get her down to breakfast. Guess I would miss breakfast because I don't get up till nine. I really don't know why the aide could not have got the woman something. The resident should have a little kitchen in her room where she can have breakfast food there. Mom had a small microwave and frig in her room. Then when she gets up, she makes herself something.
But I agree that the kitchen should have something.

I can't believe that 8:23 is too late for breakfast. The person was probably an aide. I would talk to the head nurse and ask if what you heard was true. This resident is paying big bucks to be there.

Isthisrealyreal Dec 2021
No you shouldn't mind your own business, letting someone that is paying for care, including meals go hungry is ridiculous and cruel .

I would get the name of this "nurse" and report her. I would call the ombudsman and Medicare because you know this isn't the only lack of care taking place by this witch.

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TChamp Dec 2021
She needs a more personalized level of care.

Simon53 Dec 2021
The thinking may be if they make an exception for her they will be making exceptions for others.
It's just depressing.

lealonnie1 Dec 2021
Something sounds wrong with what you 'heard', frankly. Why would it be 'too late' at 8:23 am for a resident to eat breakfast?????? In the ALs I've had experience with, a resident can eat breakfast until 10 am and after that time, a cold breakfast is still available, or at least fruit which is available 24/7, cookies too.

What is your relationship to this 97 y/o resident?

I think this resident can likely speak for herself and lodge a complaint of her own if she so desires. I know my parents would have kicked up a royal fuss if they were treated that way in the ALF where they resided.
Cover99 Dec 2021
Not too far fetched, Breakfast could be from 7-8, with after preparing for other activities for the day (trips, medical appointments, etc). The nurse could have handled it a better way, though.
cwillie Dec 2021
Not acceptable! The dining room might be closed but there should always be things like yogurt, juice, muffins etc available to cobble together some kind of meal.

AnnReid Dec 2021
In my LO’s AL/MC there were ALWAYS nutritious snacks available, and residents who had “missed out” were encouraged to take advantage of snacking.

Instead of thinking in terms of “turning in”, why not ask a staff person what the policy is for missing meals. If the woman involved was staying in bed too much (she actually did that), she was encouraged to stay awake and out in the day room by being rewarded for doing so, by choosing a desired TV show, reading aloud to other residents, etc.

AlvaDeer Dec 2021
Assisted Living is often staffed for more independence in its seniors. I wonder if perhaps in the new year it might not be a good idea to sit with the administration and discuss whether the levels of care and care plan are adequate to your loved one some time in the new year. I am assuming you are her POA or health care advocate?
ALFs and all other facilities are often/sometimes very short staffed now due to covid-19 in many parts of the country. I think there are definite differences in facilities This would NOT have happened in my brother's assisted living. If there was a mistake and someone missed breakfast there was a snack room with cereals and fresh fruits, etc, as well as snacks offered according to diets throughout the day.
You do not mention your relationship. Are you POA? Familiar with her care on a daily basis? Aware of any medications that might cause her to be a late riser?
Much of how you move forward depends on these questions.

bundleofjoy Dec 2021
it sounds very mean to me. poor 97 year-old woman.

whatever the rule is, they could have kindly given her something to eat.

i’m a lawyer; and it’s the same in law…some laws are unjust…laws change all the time (what’s considered moral/immoral changes throughout human history)…a kind judge can do an act of kindness, interpret things compassionately…

whatever the rule is in that AL, it was mean not to give a human being (97!) something to eat for breakfast.

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