In a survey that it publishes today, the consumer association UFC-Que Choisir takes stock of the quality of meals in the Accommodation Establishments for Dependent Elderly People (Ehpad). And his observation, which is based on the quality of the menus served in 88 nursing homes, is not encouraging: economic constraints that take little account of nutritional balance, interest of seniors sacrificed for the benefit of staff organization, nutritional monitoring insufficient residents …
“On the basis of this worrying observation, we ask parliamentarians to establish as quickly as possible a regulatory obligation on the nutritional quality and the rhythms of the meals served” declares the association. in a press release.
Meals in nursing homes: what’s stuck
– For reasons of staff organization, meal times are shortened at the end of the day, with snacks sometimes served as early as 2:30 p.m. or dinners that start too early, on average at 6:25 p.m. “However, this leads to non-compliance with the minimum duration of three hours recommended between each daily meal”.
– Savings on meals at the expense of residents’ nutritional balance. One in two establishments studied is notably non-compliant on the criterion relating to unminced red meat, which is the best source of protein. “Instead, inexpensive industrial preparations are served, or even dishes practically devoid of protein.”
– Serious deficiencies in the nutritional monitoring of residents: while the monthly weighing of residents is a simple way to prevent undernutrition, 18% of establishments weigh at a rate lower than this recommendation.
The UFC-Que Choisir therefore asks that the principle of balanced diet and the recommendations for nutritional monitoring in establishments be the subject of specific regulatory obligations, included in the health bill. And that the compliance of meal times, the food plan and the budget devoted to food products be checked each year by the Regional Health Agencies.
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