Somebody you take care of, has difficulty swallowing? It is possibly a condition called dysphagia and can compromise the well-being of a person. It increases the chances of falling prey to malnutrition and dehydration along with pneumonia due to oral aspiration.
Thankfully, there are many safe and nutritious options when it comes to food for elderly with swallowing difficulties. From rich dairy items to pureed fruits and vegetables, an optimum diet can make eating as much fun as it has to be possible for older adults who find such things difficult.
But be careful, even if the person you’re caring for doesn’t have dysphagia, there are still foods out there that they should avoid.
How Common Is Dysphagia in Seniors?
Dysphagia, marked by difficulties in swallowing, is a frequently reported concern affecting 15-22% of those above the age of 50. This problem needs utmost attention, as ignoring its existence could potentially lead to serious potential outcomes if not handled properly.
Here are some symptoms that might indicate Dysphagia:
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Chest feels like it’s under pressure
- Eating results in coughing or choking
- Feeling like food isn’t moving down properly
- Regurgitation of food or liquids
- Loss of weight unexplainedly
If you or anyone else appears to regularly display the above-mentioned signs, better get in touch with a healthcare expert promptly. They can help identify the underlying problem and suggest appropriate solutions.
Why Is Swallowing Difficult for Seniors?
Understanding the reasons behind swallowing problems will assist in customizing the solutions.
Here are three possible causes:
Dental or Oral Hygiene Issues
Ill-fitting dentures or dental issues limit chewing and swallowing. Routine dental care and ensuring well-fitting dentures are vital for enhanced oral function.
Neurological and Cognitive Disorders
Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia are known to interfere with the complex coordination required for swallowing.
Dietary Tips for Dysphagia
A soft food diet does not indicate one has to sacrifice either nutrition or taste. Here’s some guidance to secure a well-nourished and pleasurable diet:
- Use Thickeners: Utilize both organically sourced or industrially prepared thickeners, such as potato flakes or cornstarch, to enhance the texture of mashed foods and liquids to a degree that makes them safer for consumption.
- Increase Caloric and Protein Density: Incorporate ingredients like cream and peanut butter into smoothies or mushy dishes. You would be surprised that protein powders can also be for this purpose.
- Incorporate Pureed Foods: Fruits, veggies, meat, and cereal grains can be blended for an optimal mixture and richness of nutrients in meals.
- Balanced Dish Serving: Meals must consistently carry an equilibrium of dairy items, fruits and vegetables, cereal grains, and sources of protein to provide extensive nutritive value.
- Monitor Temperature: Soft food tends to cool very quickly, served warm for optimum flavor and solace.
The Best Soft Food for Elderly with Swallowing Difficulties
A soft food diet can meet elderly nutritional needs while accommodating swallowing difficulties. Here’s a breakdown by food group:
Dairy Products
- Safe Options: Yogurt, custard, pudding, cottage cheese (small curds), and cream cheese.
- Avoid: Yogurt with chunks, hard cheeses, and stringy cheese toppings.
Fruits
- Safe Options: Applesauce, baked apples, ripe bananas, cooked pears, and pureed smoothies.
- Avoid: Pineapple, dried fruits, and fruits with seeds like raspberries.
Vegetables
- Safe Options: Mashed potatoes, pureed carrots, and finely shredded salads.
- Avoid: Raw or stringy vegetables like celery and corn on the cob.
Grains
- Safe Options: Soft breads with spreads, pasta with sauce, and hot cereals like oatmeal.
- Avoid: Dry breads, coarse cereals, and crispy pizza crusts.
Desserts
- Safe Options: Soft puddings, custards, and gelatin desserts.
- Avoid: Dry cookies, pastries, or anything with hard crusts.
Tips for Preparing Soft Foods
Softening and moistening food is essential for those with swallowing challenges. Use the following techniques:
- Add broth, gravy, or melted butter to moisten foods.
- Cook vegetables until tender and mash them with cream or milk.
- Blend fruits and vegetables into smoothies or purees.
- Use cheese sauces to add flavor and moisture to grains or vegetables.
- Remove skins from vegetables and fruits for easier consumption.
Feeding Techniques for Dysphagia
Maintaining a hazard-free dining ambiance holds equal significance to the quality of the meal’s contents.
Here’s some advice to stick by:
- Sit upright during meals and remain seated for 30-60 minutes after eating.
- Nibble modest mouthfuls and masticate meticulously.
- Opt for less bulky meals but more often to guard against weariness and asphyxiation hazard
- Use herbs and spices to enhance flavor and make meals enjoyable.
- Ensure proper hydration by using thickened liquids if necessary.
Supporting Quality of Life for Seniors
Dysphagia can be debilitating, but it can be quite tolerable with careful management of diet and care. It helps to ensure that nutrition fits safely and enjoyably into any nutritional regimen. A wholesome diet will keep up the ideal quality of life while coping with this condition.
Contact your local support communities or Firefly caregivers to learn more about resources and care options available to seniors with dysphagia.
