Can a patient be forced to diet?

[mothersmart]

I'm visiting a patient with cerebral palsy tomorrow. He lives in a group home with aides helping him into electric wheelchair, bathing, etc. Meals are also provided for him. I just read a nursing note from last week that discusses how upset the pt is at his diet being restricted, per dr recommendation, specifically mentioning portions. Does anyone know if this is legal? He is an adult. The DRs would love all of us to follow certain diets, but we ultimately decide what we eat.

[Emergent, RN]

Just because someone has physical incapacitates shouldn't mean that we have the right to control their lives. I feel strongly that people should be in charge of their own lives.

It's bad enough to be handicapped. They have a lot of challenges. Why shouldn't they have a right to enjoy their favorite foods, or even have some good microbrew or a glass or two of wine? I wouldn't like anyone bossing me around in this respect.

[mothersmart]

I'm glad you agree with me. I don't want people to think I'm NOT an advocate for good health. You know, sometimes I just want an extra bowl of cereal in the morning. He should be allowed too.

[toomuchbaloney]

Patients have rights.

It might be a good idea to review the Patient Rights and Responsibilities document from your place of employment.

[Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN]

Well in LTC certain residents are on restricted diets that the facility must comply with. However, they are free to bring in some more food or go out to eat with family, etc. I would never take food away from them in their room, but I would try to educate them (and their families) if say their blood sugar was high. I think you cannot force a patient to diet unless they have written medical orders not to give a certain food or they have choking precautions. I think it is ultimately the patient's right to decide what to eat.

[NurseCard, ADN]

If the staff at the group home has orders to only give the patient a certain diet then they are going to follow those orders. The patient probably doesn't have much family coming in and bringing him extra food I'm willing to bet.

If the patient is mentally able to make his own decisions and there is a doctor's order in place for a restricted diet, I would make a phone call or two and see about getting it lifted. Let the M.D. know of course that you are educating the patient.

[caliotter3]

This reminds me of the diabetic lady at the LTC facility that used to always offer me some of her delicious 'goodies' brought from home when I went in to see her at night. When I first asked about this, I was told by the supervisors that she could eat whatever she pleased. They said they made the doctor aware and that was that.

[chitchatkat]

Hi, I have an issue similar to this w my mother who loves in a group home w constant supervision. She had a TBA in 2007. She has gotten progressively worse w falls and not following the rules. She is a smoker and I contacted Wi guardianship society, spoke w a lawyer who stayed that no matter what health issues she could face from some of her behaviors, there is no legal way to make her do something she doesn't want to do. She will sneak cigarettes and light them in her rm. She has COPD and falls all the time so just preparing to smoke is difficult.Per the lawyers instrucrion, even w her being incompetent, I can't limit her cig amy per day or stop her from anything r/t to what she does to herself (earing, drinking). Hope I made some sense here.