8.3.1: Food Preparation

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Page ID: 67635

Erin O'Hara-Leslie, Amdra C. Wade, Kimberly B. McLain, SUNY Broome

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When selecting foods to plan a menu and foods to offer a patient, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should use the basics of good nutrition and follow the ChooseMyPlate guidelines found at www.choosemyplate.org

Choose a variety of foods to keep it interesting.
Choose foods that are low in fat, low in saturated fat, and low in cholesterol
Select lean meats, fish, and poultry. Avoid fatty cuts of meats. Remove the skin from poultry to reduce fat.
Use sugar and salt in moderation.
Herbs and spices can be used to help flavor food and according to the patient’s preferences.
Choose plenty of fruit, vegetable, and grain products for snacks and meals.
Avoid frying foods as this adds extra calories, fat, and cholesterol.
Steam vegetables to maintain the most flavor and nutrition.
Bake, broil, or microwave foods rather than frying or sautéing in butter or oil.
Avoid convenience foods such as those that are pre-made or prepackaged. When foods are prepared fresh, you always know the ingredients and there will be less preservatives, sodium, fat, and calories.

Self Check Activity \(\PageIndex{1}\)

1. Which method of food preparation is the least healthy?

a). Broiling

b). Steaming

c). Frying

d). Roasting

2. Skin can be removed from meat and poultry to reduce fat. True or False? ________

Answer

1. C

2. True

FEEDBACK:

1. Frying foods is the least healthy option as this adds extra fat, cholesterol, and calories from using oils during the frying process. Broiling, steaming, and roasting methods of cooking do not add extra calories, as long as butter, margarine, and oils are not used.

2. To decrease the amount of fat and make healthier food choices, remove skin from meat and poultry, as this is where extra fat and cholesterol are. Lean cuts of meat can also be selected to decrease fat, cholesterol, and calories.

Patient Involvement

It is very important for Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides to involve their patient in the planning and preparing of meals. Not only is the patient more likely to eat foods if they choose them, but it also helps to promote independence and self-determination. Working with a patient to plan meals and prepare foods can also help to strengthen the relationship. Share tasks of food preparation, keeping in mind any physical or cognitive limitations a patient may have.

Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should not allow their patient to perform unsafe tasks if they are unable to do so. For example, young children should not be allowed to use sharp knives and dangerous equipment. A person with dementia who may forget what they are doing should be closely supervised while using knives or the stove. If adaptive equipment is available, teach and encourage the patient to use it. If they can assist to provide their own care, this will help promote self-esteem and independence.

Getting involved in meal planning and preparation can also provide mental and physical stimulation, as well as relaxation and distraction. It can be a time where patients are encouraged to be creative and draw upon their strengths and talents, especially if they enjoy cooking. Many people enjoy food, either cooking or eating it. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides can make this time fun and relaxing by going through cookbooks and magazines with attractive pictures to help stimulate interests in food. Make a list of items that are on hand and Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides can even make planning a meal with on-hand ingredients a fun game.

Available Cooking Equipment

While preparing food in a patient’s home, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides may only have access to the available equipment they have on hand. There may not be a lot of equipment to choose from. They may need to get creative in order to adequately meet their patient’s nutritional needs. Discuss ideas with a supervisor about how to best do this.