Nutrition in a Caregiver's World

I have been facilitating the UCARE classes in Payson for two weeks now and absolutely love that I can bring some valuable information to those who are looking for it when it comes to being a caregiver. 

Last weeks class topic was Nutrition and General Caregiving Skills.  Right before I went into the class I was so hungry and I grabbed a piece of carrot cake....the kind with the amazing cream cheese frosting on it....so thick you could barely suck it off of the fork.  I washed it down with a diet pepsi hoping to balance out the caloric intake.  I admitted this to the attendees of the class who sheepishly giggled and then shared what they had for dinner or the fact that they hadn't had time to eat yet.  What a great bunch we are.  This is reality folks!

As we started to touch on the topic of nutrition it was clear that there were other situations the class wanted to work through and we addressed those concerns and questions instead.  I thought maybe I would use some blog space to share some of the nutritional information for those who might need it (me included).

There are 6 principles of care you should always follow when providing care.  I will list them below with a brief explanation of each.

1.Safety - Before preparing food, think about any food allergies your loved one has or the likelihood of any food-medication interactions.  Serve foods that he or she can chew and easily swallow.  Check the temperature of the food before serving it.  Have your loved one sit up while eating.

2. Privacy - Mealtime is usually a social event so sit and talk and/or eat with your loved one.

3. Communication - Asked your loved one what he or she likes to eat and plan a  menu of those meals.  If your loved one is unable to tell you what he or she likes, then help by telling what food you have prepared.  Keep in mind that your loved one is unable to make decisions for themselves that they used to such as what to eat and when to eat it.  Asking for their opinion in this care really helps them feel more in control of something in their life.

4. Dignity - Make mealtime an enjoyable experience.  Give your loved one what he or she likes to eat and the tools needed to eat as independently as possible.  If assistance is needed make it as dignified as possible.  Many times facilities will provide what some would call "bibs" but a dignified name for these is "clothing protectors".  If caring for your loved one at home you could use a towel for a clothing protector.

5. Independence - Allow your loved one to help prepare meals, if possible.  Let your loved one eat independently using assistive devices as needed and help clean up after the meal.

6. Infection Control - Prepare and eat healthy foods.  Cook and store foods at a proper temperature.  Wash your hands before touching the food, between preparing meats and uncooked foods and after helping your loved one eat.  Have your loved one wash hands before eating.  Observe other hygiene measures and guidelines as suggested by healthcare providers.