Choking and Aspiration: A Serious Threat in Nursing Homes

Choking and aspiration tragically claim the lives of many nursing home residents each year. 

Aspiration refers to the inhalation of food, liquid, saliva, or other foreign objects into the lungs. In a nursing home setting, aspiration typically occurs when a resident with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) unintentionally breathes in substances meant for the digestive tract. This can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia, lung infections, and even death.

Choking and aspiration incidents often occur due to inadequate assistance during meals, with most of these deaths being 100% preventable through proper supervision and care.

At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, PC, LLO, powered by Reed Law Offices, PC, LLO, we are dedicated to helping families seek justice when a loved one suffers injuries or untimely death due to negligent or abusive conduct in nursing homes. We are the only firm in Nebraska exclusively focused on nursing home abuse and neglect cases, advocating for victims and their families.

If you suspect that a parent or family member choked or aspirated while in the care of a nursing home, we can help investigate the incident and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Identifying Responsibility

Choking and aspiration incidents in nursing homes typically result from improper food preparation or inadequate assistance during meals. Common issues include:

• Food not cut into small enough pieces.
• Serving inappropriate diets.
• Lack of supervision or assistance during meals.

These failures often trace back to nursing home management, who may not schedule enough staff to assist with meals, fail to provide adequate training and supervision, or neglect to discipline staff who do not deliver proper care.

Additionally, nursing home staff may not respond appropriately during choking or aspiration emergencies due to staffing shortages or insufficient training, further endangering patients’ lives.

Nursing Homes’ Duty of Care

Nursing homes have a duty to provide care tailored to each patient’s needs. Many residents struggle with swallowing or require special dietary accommodations due to medical conditions. It is the nursing home’s responsibility to ensure food is prepared safely and that appropriate supervision is provided during meals.

A nursing home could be held liable for:

• Failing to monitor patients properly during meals.
• Ignoring doctors’ dietary orders.
• Not recognizing the need for a modified diet or assistance with eating.

Consequences of Improper Meal Handling

If a patient with swallowing difficulties is served large pieces of food, it places them at an increased and unnecessary risk for choking. A lodged piece of food can block the airway, leading to oxygen deprivation and potential brain injury or death. In understaffed facilities, these mistakes can quickly become fatal.

Investigating Nursing Home Deaths

Nursing homes rarely admit when their negligence results in a patient’s death. Gathering evidence to prove irresponsible care caused choking or aspiration can be challenging. Medical records often reveal whether dietary instructions were ignored, providing crucial evidence.

At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, PC, LLO, we specialize in investigating nursing home abuse and neglect. We aim to hold negligent facilities accountable, fighting for justice and advocating for changes to prevent future tragedies.

Contact Nebraska’s Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Law Firm

While no compensation can replace a lost loved one, holding a nursing home accountable for negligence provides a measure of justice and can drive changes to prevent further unnecessary deaths.

If you have lost a loved one due to choking or aspiration, or if the nursing home has acted suspiciously regarding a death, contact The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, powered by Reed Law Offices, PC, LLO,” for a free, confidential consultation. 

Your loved one’s legacy can help end negligent practices and improve care standards in nursing homes.