Choking is a serious risk for elderly residents in nursing homes, and staff members must follow proper safety procedures to reduce that risk. When they fail to do so, residents can suffer injury or death from something that someone could have prevented.
Why nursing home residents are at risk
Many nursing home residents have health conditions that make swallowing difficult. Some have neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease or dementia, which affect their chewing and swallowing. Others take medications that cause dry mouth, making it harder to move food down the throat. A resident with weak muscles or poor posture may also struggle to eat safely.
How neglect leads to preventable deaths
Neglect happens when staff ignore safety rules or fail to watch residents closely. If a nursing home does not follow a resident’s dietary needs, those in their care may receive food that is too difficult to swallow. For example, a resident on a soft-food diet might receive a steak or bread, which can easily get stuck in the throat.
Even when a resident is eating the right food, they still need supervision if they have a history of choking. Some people eat too fast or take big bites without chewing properly. Staff should be nearby to help if something goes wrong. If no one is watching, a choking resident may not get help in time.
Another major issue is the lack of emergency response. When someone chokes, quick action is necessary to clear the airway. If staff members have no training in first aid or fail to respond quickly, the resident may lose oxygen and suffer brain damage or death. In some cases, nursing homes fail to call 911 in time, making the situation even worse.
Families trust nursing homes to provide safe and proper care for their loved ones. When a facility fails to prevent harm from choking, it should be liable for its negligence. Holding these institutions accountable can help prevent future tragedies and protect other residents from harm.
