8.3.2: Serving Food

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Page ID: 67636

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

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Serve Quality Food

Purchase food that will not expire soon. Check expiration dates on all food in order to ensure it is fresh. Discard food that is past its expiration date.
Select fresh fruits and vegetables. Don’t select those that are overripe, bruised, or have brown spots.
Cook foods only until tender, unless the patient’s preferences and diets state otherwise. Overcooking foods destroys good nutrients.
Serve food that is eye-appealing. Food that looks attractive will more likely be eaten and could help stimulate a person who has a poor appetite to eat.

Serving Meals

Mealtime is an excellent time to spend with a patient and their family. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides can use it as a time to talk, to learn more about their patient and to allow their patient time to socialize with them and others. Make sure to always plan for extra time during meals so the patient does not feel rushed. Sit next to or across from them whenever possible. Avoid doing other tasks while the patient is eating. Instead, use this time to socialize with them, unless they do not prefer it.

If the patient has a swallowing problem, remember not to ask them questions while they are trying to chew or swallow, as this could lead to choking. Plan conversation for the time in between bites. If the patient requires assistance to eat, sit next to them. This will allow Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides to be close enough so they do not have to overextend their back while feeding the patients. Be patient as they chew and do not rush them by trying to give them another bite of food while they are still chewing the first.

Food Appearance, Texture, and Portion Size

Select nutritious foods that are contrasting colors and textures. This adds to visual and chewing appeal. Try to vary the colors of the foods being served. Avoid serving foods that are all one color. Even for people who must have a mechanical diet, which is a diet that is altered in texture, such as food that is pureed or finely chopped, different colored foods can be selected. For example, select a green, soft vegetable (spinach), a red, crunchy fruit (an apple), and colorful, chewy wild rice to go along with a piece of chicken and a glass of milk. This lends visual and chewing appeal as the patient can see different colors and feel different textures as they chew.

Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should be observant about changes in their patient’s appetite, and report any significant decreases of appetite to their supervisor. A poor appetite should be investigated.

Some possible explanations of a poor appetite are:

Illness or depression. When we do not feel well or are depressed, our appetite is diminished.
Dissatisfaction with the food. If a patient does not like the food, they will be less likely to eat. Find out their preferences and plan meals accordingly.
Improper mouth care. A poorly cared for mouth can lead to chewing problems.
Loose or broken teeth or problems with the gums or tongue. This makes chewing difficult.
Chewing difficulties. It is difficult to eat if chewing is painful.
Improperly fitting dentures. Poorly fitting dentures makes eating difficult and painful.
Patient fear of choking. Patients who are afraid to choke may hesitate to eat.
Patient has confusion. Patients who are confused may forget what they are doing. They may need to be encouraged to eat.
Side effects of medications. Some medications decrease a person’s appetite.

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

1. Which of the following are possible causes of a poor appetite? Select all that apply.

a). Poorly fitting dentures

b). Depression

c). Confusion or dementia

d). Broken or loose teeth

e). Medication side effects

f). Not liking the food you prepared

Answer

All are possible causes of a poor appetite.

FEEDBACK:

Poorly fitting dentures or broken teeth can make chewing and eating difficult, leading to a poor appetite. Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should regularly inspect their patient’s mouth and teeth while performing mouth hygiene and ensure dentures are in good working order and placed in the mouth prior to eating.