Planning meals can become essential, alongside what food is eaten. Some people may also have physical disabilities associated with certain conditions, or a difficulty with swallowing, so it’s important to know how to recognise symptoms and what to do if this happens.
Meal planning, preparation and nutrition...
It is vital that you eat healthily, particularly if you're recovering from an illness. We will make sure that you eat and drink well. Eating a limited diet or not getting enough food can lead to malnutrition. We will encourage good nutrition and hydration, and make mealtimes enjoyable for you It's important that you have access to water and other drinks throughout the day.
We remain aware of any difficulties you may have that affects what you can eat. For example, you may have food allergies or diabetes.
Staff are also trained when clients are unable to feed themselves or require support in the feeding process.
Recognising problems...
You may have problems digesting or swallowing food. Our staff are trained to identify this and ensure that issues are dealt with appropriately.
If Dieticians or Speech Therapists are involved, we will work with specific diets, where eating times are important, food or drink requires additives, or if food needs to be served in a particular way (eg. mashed or pulped).
Where people are fitted with nasal tubes or PEGs, staff have specific training in these processes and we can support you, at home.
Shopping...
Whether you want us to take you to the shops - or just need us to do the shopping – no problem!
Once the meals have been planned, we need to understand household requirements, such as washing powder, toilet rolls and specific things that you want, and then ensure that these items are on the shopping list.