Nutrition is a key component of survival. And for patients with food dependency, it's essential to complement it with a series of healthy habits that provide balance and thus prevent complications affecting their quality of life.
Every caregiver knows the challenges of feeding a dependent patient, which go beyond providing a balanced diet. They may not want to eat or have difficulty eating properly. What should be done in these cases?
At Theramart, we've prepared the following guide that may be very useful for caregivers. Take note:
What to do if the patient requires assistance with feeding?
Your patient may need your help eating. To assist them in this process, you need the utmost care . Try the following:
- Create a communicative environment so the patient feels as comfortable as possible when you let them know it's time to eat. Always ensure they eat in a clean, well-lit, and quiet area.
- Explain how the procedure will be and the foods that will be consumed.
- Wash your hands and assist the patient in doing the same.
- Position him so that he is semi-sitting.
- Place the table with the tray within the patient's reach for greater comfort.
- Allow enough time for intake.
- Encourage intake and, with great patience, administer small amounts.
- When finished, remove the tray and the instruments used.
- Perform oral and hand hygiene.
- Keep the child semi-seated for at least one hour to prevent bronchoaspiration (accidental aspiration of solids or liquids into the airway).
When the patient has difficulty or pain when swallowing
In cases of dysphagia and odynophagia, the process of getting liquids and food into the stomach requires more time and effort. This may be because food is being consumed too quickly or not chewed thoroughly enough . Consider the following:
- If bedridden, try to raise the person until there is a 60-degree angle between their legs and torso.
- Ensure that the head and trunk are always well aligned.
- Ensure that the patient is not talking while eating, to avoid choking.
- Do not mix solid foods with liquids and adapt as much as possible to the patient's tastes.
- Whenever possible, let the person eat alone, but always under the supervision of a caregiver.
- Make sure your child always eats at the same time, so that their sleep schedules don't overlap and cause them to chew tiredly.
- Rely on utensils such as glasses with cutouts or filters to regulate the amount of liquid introduced into the mouth.
- Detect symptoms that are not necessarily related to pain when swallowing, such as drooling, hoarseness, regurgitation, heartburn, sudden weight loss, if the patient wears dentures or has lost some teeth or molars.
- Cut food into smaller pieces.
- Allow the adult to eat at his or her own pace.
- Maintain adequate levels of hydration and nutrition.
- Consult a healthcare professional to rule out any major problems, such as tumors, narrowing of the larynx, infections, or vascular injuries.
Meet TheraSenior, the feeding chair with a folding table and comfortable recline for dependent patients.
What if he refuses the food?
In some cases, the patient may experience hyporexia (lack of appetite). This is a decrease in the desire to eat and could be due to the body no longer needing as many calories, as its physical needs are no longer as high . However, measures must be taken to prevent malnutrition. Consider the following:
- To the extent possible and without sacrificing your well-being, avoid certain foods that you dislike or find difficult to swallow.
- Monitor the patient's calorie intake and divide it into 5 or 6 small meals .
- Consult a healthcare professional to assess whether hyporexia is a symptom of another condition, whether physical or mental.
- Take into account the patient's current situation . Perhaps they have been more isolated recently, with fewer activities, suffering the loss of a loved one, or being away from home (in a hospital or nursing home).
There are also some eating techniques and tricks to whet your appetite . Keep the following in mind:
- Give them foods that are easy to chew and not too hot (food at a high temperature is more filling).
- Include foods that you like or crave (that are healthy and with prior authorization from your doctor).
- Give him food as soon as he wants it, even if it is outside the established schedule.
- Serve foods that provide a lot of energy , to increase the energy value of the dish without increasing the amount of food eaten.
If you are a caregiver of a patient with sensory deprivation, be sure to read this GUIDE TO ACCOMPANY AND HELP A PATIENT WHO CAN'T SEE OR HEAR
How to act when you have swallowing problems?
There are certain highly nutritious foods that can help in these cases, ensuring proper nutrition and hydration. Keep the following in mind:
- Adapt the texture of solid and liquid foods for safe eating.
- To ensure they get enough fluids, gelatin is a good option.
- PREFER: Thick juices, butter, cottage cheese, ice cream, custards, omelets, breads, toast, cooked cereals, breads or crackers without nuts or raisins, pasta for soup, soft boiled or mashed vegetables, soft fruits without seeds or skin, ripe bananas, meatballs, minced meat with sauces, meat sauce and soft, boneless fish.
- AVOID: Lumps and bones, thin juices, milk, coffee, infusions, thin eggs, crackers, dry rice or cereals, toast, soft white bread, raw fruits and vegetables, chips, dried or chopped meats, dry cookies, desserts with raisins, nuts, pumpkin seeds or coconut, hard candies and chocolate.
Caring for a dependent patient is a challenge that offers great lessons every day . Their nutrition is a universe of variables that must be considered for proper care.
Armed with information, caregivers can help their patients achieve a balanced diet and everything else needed for the best possible health.
We hope this guide has been helpful, and remember to always rely on all the information available to you to provide the best care for your dependent.
If you'd like to continue reading on the topic, here's a practical guide with tips for supporting patients who can't see or hear.
