Fadi has just come into full-time residential care. Fadi tells his son that the food is mainly western style, is very dull and often tough. As he is a Muslim, Fadi does not eat pork.
The staff always provide another alternative when pork is on the menu but yesterday, when pork sausages were on the menu, the only alternative was fish – which Fadi has a strong aversion to and cannot eat without being ill.
When he said he couldn’t eat the sausages or the fish, he was told by staff that he would have to have a Vegemite sandwich.
Fadi’s son is shocked – this is hardly enough for the main meal of the day!
Fadi’s son encourages his father to complain, but Fadi says he doesn’t want to cause trouble, he is new and is still trying to settle in.
Fadi’s son decides to put in a formal complaint about the food that is served to his father.
The manager explains that there are many different nationalities and it is impossible for every cultural food requirement to be catered for all the time. However, the kitchen is keen to help out as much as they can so long as it is within their tight budget, therefore this is why Fadi was given a sandwich.
- As a client, what rights does Fadi have that are being breached?
- What process should be undertaken to investigate this complaint in a culturally sensitive manner?
- Suggest three strategies that might solve Fadi’s problem.