Mealtime Tips

Reduce distractions at the table:
• Avoid patterned placemats, plates, tablecloths.
• Serve only one food at a time, if necessary.
• Remove other distracting items from the table.

Make eating simple:
• Use bowls rather than plates.
• Set place with only utensils that are needed.
• Use bowls and plates that are different in color from the placemat to help the person more easily locate the plate.
• Place a damp washcloth under the plate to keep it from sliding.
• Try bendable straws or cups with lids and spouts for liquids.
• Serve finger foods, even severely impaired people often manage finger foods well.

For chewing problems:
• Try light pressure on lips or under chin to get started.
• Give verbal instructions, i.e., "Chew now.  And now swallow."
• Demonstrate chewing.
• Make sure person is in a comfortable position.
• Avoid sticky foods such as bananas, peanut butter, white bread.
• Avoid foods that fall apart or have tough skins, such as nuts.
• Moisten foods with sauces, gravy, and water.
• Serve chopped soft foods.
• Offer small bites, one at a time.

For swallowing problems:
• Remind to swallow with each bite.
• Stroke the throat gently.
• Check mouth periodically for food stored in cheek.
• Allow plenty of time between each bite.
• Keep liquids at room temperature.
• Moisten foods.

For choking problems with liquids:
• Try thicker liquids such as apricot juice, milk shakes, eggnog.
• Make cooked cereal with milk or water to help hydration.
• Keep liquids at room temperature.

For overeating or insatiable hunger:
• Try having 5 or 6 small meals a day.
• Have a tray of low calorie snacks available, such as apples, carrots, etc.
• Consider whether activities, or other exercises might distract the person.

For under-eating:
• Offer ice cream, milk shakes, or eggnog.
• Make sure person is getting enough exercise to stimulate appetite.
• Try to prepare familiar foods and favorite foods.
• Have the main meal of the day at breakfast or lunch when appetite is larger.
• Check with doctor about using vitamin supplements.
• Sit directly in front of person and show each spoonful to help orient.

Also Keep These Tips In Mind:
• Make sure meals are offered at regular, consistent times everyday.
• Try to make mealtimes simple, relaxed and calm.
• Remind the person of the approaching meal and, if necessary, help them smell or taste a drop of the food before eating.
• Verbally guide the person through the meal using simple, gentle, respectful language.
• Try yawning or ask the person to say "ah" if he/she won't open mouth.