- Limit the number of food choices.
- Use smells or small tastes to encourage eating (e.g.,
fresh coffee brewing, bacon frying, increased spices and flavoring)
- Use finger foods that are easy to eat.
- If the individual has been accustomed to cooking, they
might enjoy helping with preparations, e.g.,. setting table, stirring
food, folding napkins, etc.
- Eliminate noise and distractions while eating.
- Follow the person's previously established dining
patterns and preferences as much as possible.
- Use solid colored dishes, cups, tablecloths.
Contrast the color of the dishes and tablecloth so the person can
clearly see where the dish ends and the table begins.
- Follow simple rituals and routines.
- Be aware of safety hazards, e.g., hot plates.
- Use adaptive utensils and plates, as appropriate, and
encourage independence (e.g., bowl instead of plate, spoon instead of
fork).
- Provide snacks, water, and high-calorie drinks, plain
in sight, throughout the day to supplement meals, if needed. Ask
the doctor whether food supplements will help.
- Remove utensils, when appropriate - esp. knife.
- Avoid foods that are high in caffeine, especially
after 3:00 p.m., e.g., tea, coffee, chocolate, soda.
- Make sure the person is hydrated (6-8 cups of liquid
daily).
- If the person is restless, try smaller, more frequent
meals.
- Verbally guide the person through the meal.
- Be alert for signs of choking.
- Notify the doctor if the person is gaining or losing
weight very rapidly.
- When eating out, choose quiet, familiar, well-lit
restaurants and go at the restaurant's least busy time. Try to
visit the restaurant on the same day of the week at the same time of
day.
- To avoid a potential toileting problem in public,
carry a card that says: "Man (woman) in Ladies (Men's) Room" and
post as needed.
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