Sophia Cornelius, development dietitian at apetito, discusses the importance of providing a safe and enjoyable mealtime provision for residents living with dysphagia
Swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia, are a common condition within a care setting due to the wide range of conditions that can proceed it and the increased likelihood of these developing with age. It is estimated that up to 70 per cent of care home residents live with the condition.
Dysphagia is managed through the modification of foods and fluids, the aim of which is for food to require less or no chewing to get the food to a safe texture. Therefore, it is important for homes to have a suitable dining provision available for those needing a texture modified diet with meals that are tasty, nutritious and, importantly, safe for them to eat.
When choosing the most suitable provision of texture modified meals, elements such as safety and assurance, choice and variety, cost and nutritional value all need to all be considered.
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