UCARE Week 2 Review: General Caregiving Skills/Healthy Eating

The UCARE week 2 class focused on healthy eating and how important it is for you and the loved one you are caring for.

To the left you see the new "My Plate" from the USDA. This is intended to guide your decisions on choosing what to put on your plate.  It's a great way to teach others about the daily recommendations for optimum nutrition.

Many times, when caring for a loved one, you will find that they lose their appetite and nothing seems to sound good to them. It is okay to provide something that does sound good to them, even if it doesn't show up on the plate to the left.

Keep in mind the struggles that your loved one may have with eating and/or feeding themselves.  If your loved on has had a stroke and you need to assist them with eating, place small bites on the opposite side of the mouth that the stroke has affected.  Make sure there are plenty of liquids available to wash the food down.  Stay with your loved one throughout the meal to ensure the safety and prevent choking.  After a meal, assist your loved one with oral hygiene such as rinsing mouth and brushing teeth.

If your loved one has poor eyesight, you can help them know what is on their plate by referring to it as a clock. For instance. you may say, "Mashed potatoes are at 3 o'clock."

There are adaptive utensils and plate guards available at medical supply stores that can also help your loved one at meal times.

Remember to make meals as pleasant and calming as possible.  Meals are a "social" event and every effort should be made to make them enjoyable for everyone.