In a survey it publishes today, the consumer association UFC-Que Choisir takes stock of the quality of meals in 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…
“Based on this worrying observation, we are asking parliamentarians to establish a regulatory obligation as soon as possible on the nutritional quality and on the rhythms of the meals served” declares the association in a press release.
Meals in Ehpad: what gets stuck
– For reasons of staff organization, meal times are shortened at the end of the day, with snacks sometimes served from 2.30 p.m. or dinners which start too early, on average at 6.25 p.m. “However, this leads to non-compliance with the recommended minimum duration of three hours between each daily meal”.
– Savings on meals at the expense of the nutritional balance of residents. One out of two establishments studied is notably non-compliant on the criterion relating to unminced red meat, which is the best source of protein. “Instead, cheap industrial preparations are served, even dishes practically devoid of protein”.
– Serious shortcomings 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.
Read also :
Ehpa: residents increasingly dependent
Ageing: the new public health challenge
