Today I learned of the sad case of Brenda Preston, who died as a result of choking. Brenda, 73, was given a ham sandwich. This tragic incident was preventable had appropriate standards of care been followed. Brenda had a care plan in place stating that she should be supervised while eating, and she was also on a texture-modified diet. Neither requirement was observed on the day.
Ensuring that people receive food suitable for their health – as well as for their cultural and personal beliefs – is of the utmost importance. Happily, in most instances, people do receive excellent care and are provided with food that is not only nutritious and well presented but also meets their individual needs.
Vegetarian for Life is the only charity dedicated to supporting older vegans and vegetarians. Our highly trained chefs provide support to caterers, carers, and of course to older people themselves. We also offer resources on texture-modified diets.
Find out more in our publications section.
