Dare to Dine

When mobility is an issue it’s sometimes easier to bring food to a loved one than to take them to food. But if your loved one is willing and especially if lack of appetite is an issue, taking them to food is the way to go. In America we are social eaters. We eat for holidays, football games, birthdays, date nights, barbeques, graduations, weddings. You name it, we eat. Social eating brings back good memories, happy thoughts and an increased chance of an appetite. Eating alone can be sad, depressing, and appetite suppressing. However, sometimes dignity is the issue. In the privacy of our loved one’s room, we don them with a bib and maybe even an extra towel for good measure. Also, they may need assistance with eating. Here are a few tips:

Trash the bib. Cloth napkins are a Godsend. They work just as well and are just as easy to throw in the wash. Use one for you and two for your loved one. It goes like this… “Here let me tuck this in for you”, as you tuck the cloth napkin into their shirt and place the other in their lap.

If they need assistance just ask, “Can I help you with that?” Always explain what is on the plate and what is on the spoon coming at them. Communication is key. You may want to ask questions similar to these: “Would you like more of that? Do you like that? Do you want to switch to something else? Would you like a sip of your drink now?”

If it’s a memorable dish, “Do you remember the time we ate this at such and such?”  When I worked in the nursing home, we enjoyed setting the table, folding the napkins in fun new ways and making life happen at mealtime. Music that the resident enjoys is sometimes just the right touch.