My mother is 90 and is vegetarian and needs Indian food.She cannot eat any food with chili or bit more salty.
Before she moved in we where told that her dietary needs will be provided. The food provided to the care home is by external catering company.
The food contains chillies and is too salty (mom takes very little salt).
All her life she has eaten pure indian vegetarian food with Curry, chapati and Daal etc.
The food is all mixed and given to her. She has requested that she prefers all separate but still the same.
The portions are also limited.
When asked for extra portion, this is not provided.There are days she has to reject the food and she will eat whatever food she has in her room.We try to take home cooked food to her 2 or 3 times a week.
We have spoken to carehome manager few times. They said that they have spoken to catering company. Carehome tells us that they are providing food as per the guideline so not much can be done.
The issue has still not been resolved despite repeated requests.Recently they asked me if WE can supply the food once a day.
In fact they have told me and my mother that we she can go to other carehome if not suitable. This week they informed me that they are trying something new for next 2 weeks.
When asked for the details, they where unable to substantiate.
I have not informed the council. I want to give carehome fair chance to resolve the issue but running out of options. It seems that they are not really interested. Its been 7 weeks still the food is a major issue. Councils review is in approximately 5 weeks. I will see what happen then.
There is also lack of her cultural needs. But this is not a show stopper.
What other options do we have?
Perhaps it may work better if you tackle this situation at the council level? Also get the temple to write a letter to council explaining the importance of appropriate foods. A letter from her doctor should sort out the salt issue.
Come at it from a human rights perspective.
They blend the food because it's easiest, and some residents may have swallowing issues. So they might clump everyone together?
Next Question: Did your mom have to have a SWALLOW TEST before entering? Are her teeth good? Has she had a stroke that may have effected her swallowing? Check her record at the facility to see if she has a choking issues.
I'm sorry.