California Nursing Home Administrator License Practice Exam

What type of meals should facilities offer based on resident preferences?

1. Standardized meals only

2. Customized meals upon request

3. Meals based on a set menu every week

4. Meals tailored to every resident’s dietary restrictions

The correct answer is: Meals tailored to every resident’s dietary restrictions

Facilities should aim to offer meals tailored to each resident's dietary restrictions as this approach prioritizes individual health needs and personal preferences. Residents in nursing homes often have diverse dietary requirements due to health conditions, allergies, or personal choices. By customizing meals to these specific needs, facilities can enhance resident satisfaction and well-being, ensuring that each individual receives the appropriate nutrition. This focus on tailored meals also aligns with regulatory and best practice standards in the care of older and vulnerable populations, which emphasize person-centered care. It demonstrates respect for residents as individuals and recognizes that food plays a significant role in their quality of life. In contrast, offering standardized meals only would ignore the diverse dietary needs of residents, potentially putting their health at risk. Similarly, customized meals upon request, while better than a standardized approach, may still not adequately address every resident's needs if not proactively integrated into meal planning. Lastly, providing meals based on a set menu every week lacks the flexibility to adapt to changing health conditions or preferences.