Caring for Residents With Bariatric Diagnosis

With the increasing rate of obesity, it is important to maintain the dignity of the resident. Obesity has increased from 14.4% to 30.9% from 1976 to 2000.

Studies show that bariatric disease and its impact on one’s mobility and quality of life can cause bias, discrimination and social stigmas. There is clear, consistent evidence that individuals with obesity experience discrimination in family, social, education, and employment settings.

Even the most compassionate caregiver may be reluctant to provide adequate care because of the threat of caregiver injury. The fear of injury is realistic and combined with the failure to provide satisfactory care to a complex resident, further perpetuation of discrimination toward the obese resident.