This is just a quick plug for the University of Tasmania’s free online course on Understanding Dementia. This is a great course for people that work in community care of nursing homes that work with people with dementia. The next course starts in October 2014.
The link for more information is below:
When people have swallowing problems, a Speech Pathologist may recommend different textures of food (soft, minced moist, smooth puree) or thicknesses of fluids (mild, moderate, extremely thick). Many people have difficulty preparing foods that look appetising with the change in texture.
I’ve included resources that I have found that may be useful for carers, nursing home staff and kitchen staff.
Education in Nutrition DVD Food and Nutrition Considerations in Dysphagia – presented by Janet Martin APD and author. This DVD discusses the swallowing process, signs of swallowing problems, the different texture and fluid levels and how to prepare meals that are interesting and taste great. View information.
Janet Martin is the author of two recipes books for texture modified diets. Good Looking, Easy Swallowing Recipe book is available from most book shops.
Her second recipe book is available through Nestle and is called A Kitchen Manual for Preparation of Modified Texture Diets and has recipes such as Chicken and Apricot Mousse Salad to get everyone thinking differently about puree foods!
For nursing homes and hospitals or for carers there is a poster of the different texture modified diets and thickened fluids if you follow the link below. View poster.