iSavta | 11.08.2020

Preparing Meals for Clients with Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)

 

Have you ever thought of one simple disorder, and yet it is equally as fatal as the others? When we think of people being told of doctors having a limit in their lives, first that would come to mind would be all the dreaded diseases like cancer, heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver and so on, least that would come to mind would be “swallowing disorder”.

 

Dysphagia seems uncomplicated for many people, however, it is actually fatal with around 60,000 Americans dying from its complications every year. Yes, as we have learned in CPR, the airway is very important, once the passage of air is blocked by something (could be as simple as food), it will surely lead to less oxygenation of the brain, ultimately leading to death.

 

With this, we know that careful preparation of meals would surely play a big role in planning for the care of our clients. In doing this, we have to understand that our goal is not only to make it nutritious, but also appetizing. As a good caring attitude, we were taught to empathize with our clients, so as we put ourselves in their situation, we would better understand their struggles and desires, even with something as simple as food.

 

Food is very basic, everybody eats, that’s just part of our lives. But even in this very basic thing, we all enjoy the blessings of the table, and feast on the most mouth-watering dishes - whether they promote health; or even if they don’t. Many feel guilty because their favorites are all the sinful ones. But try to imagine, being deprived of all the steak, roasted chicken, ham, cakes, etc. How would you feel? Dysphagia may be a simple swallowing disorder, but it’s effect on the quality of life of a person could be devastating - unless, we become creative in preparing “special” food for our loved ones.

 

Yes, really special. How do we do this? We have to consider the following:

 

PRESENTATION

 

Even the most delicious food, poorly presented could take away the appetite of a person. Imagine where our favorite hotdogs are made from? We wouldn’t eat them if they were as is when served; but as long, tender and juicy treats, we all loved them from the time we were kids. Always remember, even if it’s just pureed stuff when presented well, even a person with no dysphagia could even crave for what is being served.

 

SMELL

 

It’s not enough for the food to just look good. Another great human sense that we have to consider is smell. Once food smells good, even from afar, our mouths start to “salivate.” Sorry for the term, but taken in a positive context, since food is life, our loved ones with dysphagia could still enjoy life as they should.

 

TEXTURE

 

Food texture in Dysphagia is usually classified as B (Thin Puree),C (Thick Puree), D (Pre-mashed), & E (Fork-mashable). Texture C and E are the most common in various settings. Some caterers would shape mashed food to look like their original shapes. For example, mashed potato could be reshaped into a potato, in that way, the clients would still feel as if they are still eating what's original.

There are many ways to be creative in preparing food for your dysphagia clients. Just remember, it is easier for those with swallowing difficulty, to take in liquid or pureed forms of food, rather than solid. Explore your creativity in making fruit shakes, purees and puddings. You'll be surprised even you yourself would be interested in what you are preparing!