We want to ensure that the voices of vegans and vegetarians are heard.
If you, a family member, or friend have faced problems as a vegan or vegetarian when receiving care, we want to know. It may be that you were served food that did not meet your needs, or a family member’s beliefs were ignored.
In care, you have the right to have your beliefs and preferences respected.
Despite this, we have heard many cases where basic rights have not been acknowledged.
CASE STUDY: Beth’s mother, Sue, had a stroke and was living in a nursing home. Beth had told the care home that her mother would eat a vegetarian diet with minimal dairy and eggs. Nearly every meal Sue was served had included fish, eggs, and/or cheese. They also had accidentally given her meals with meat, that fortunately Beth was able to intercept. As she became more confused in her early 90s, Sue began demanding the same food that everyone around her had, generally meaning that she wanted meals with meat in them. Eventually, Beth had to authorise the home giving her mother whatever she asked for. Beth said the care home was very nice, but it did not understand what a healthy vegetarian diet was. Aside from the ethical aspects, Beth felt that giving her mother lots of dairy after a stroke would have not been beneficial to her overall health.
If you have experienced or know about a situation like this, please get in touch using the contact details below.
Importantly, if you would be happy to discuss what happened with the media, let us know when you get in touch. This could really help vegans and vegetarians in later life across the country.
Getting more stories heard raises awareness of the issues that vegans and vegetarians face day-to-day in care settings. It helps us to highlight problems and convince people to take these issues seriously.
Please call us on 0161 257 0887 or email inquiry@vegetarianforlife.org.uk.
Thank you.
