Nursing Home says patient may not refuse however they do allow any kind of food to be ordered or sent to patient. They said that would be acceptable but they could not serve the patient anything other than a mechanical diet. The patient in question has been eating regular foods he has personally ordered or that has been sent to him. He would like to sign a form taking responsibility/consequences for his refusing a mechanical diet. Are there laws for nursing homes to abide by patients wishes? Than you.
My mom was bedfast her last 18 months and went on mechanized protein diet. Like boneless chix thighs, veal cutlets, thin sliced pork chops. Add in thin sliced catfish or soft omelettes, it was pretty varied menu with no real choking opportunity & easy on digestion.
If the resident is of sound mind, he needs to talk to the Doctor who ordered the diet. Me personally, I sympathize with the person. I would not want to eat my food like this either.
Thank you for your reply.
Plus I am surprised that a nursing home would accept carry-out delivery of food for a patient.
Can you provide more information.
He says he wants to enjoy food and does not like the puréed diet. The Nursing Staff has said he can order outside of facility (and pay for himself) any type of food he would like. I have been sending him whatever food he asks for and bring him food when I visit. He has been tolerating the food he orders (and I send) without any issues. His wish is to sign a “Right to Refuse” waiver, if such a thing exists.