Hard To Swallow by: Allison Christy Hoover

Whether faced with stomach upset, swallowing difficulties, lack of appetite or another eating disorder, you can help your loved one eat more healthfully with these tips from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration:

Switch it up. Does your loved one have difficulty chewing? Substitute softer foods. Replace fresh fruit with fruit juices and softer canned fruit, such as applesauce, peaches or pears (being mindful of the sugar content if your loved one has diabetes). Instead of steaks or chops, provide protein with ground meat, fish, eggs, milk and other dairy products such as pudding and creamed soups. If bread is a favorite food, offer rice pudding or bread pudding.

Avoid acidic foods. Some people will eliminate entire food groups from their diet to avoid stomach upset. The result is that they may unintentionally cut out important nutrients, such as vitamins, calcium, fiber and protein. If milk is difficult to digest, experiment with other dairy foods, like cream soups, pudding, yogurt and cheese. Cabbage and broccoli causing problems? Offer vegetable juices and milder veggies, like green beans, carrots and potatoes.

Offer to do the shopping. If your loved one has trouble getting to the store, offer to shop for them or ask the local store to deliver groceries to their doorstep. If you can't do the shopping, seek volunteers at your place of worship or amongst neighbor, or pay someone to do it.

Put on your chef's hat. Cooking can be a problem for older adults who can't hold utensils and other kitchenware. Try preparing healthy dinners for your loved one ahead of time, so they need only reheat them in the microwave. Or purchase prepared meals from the local grocery store. Homemade meals can also be delivered; try contacting the local senior center or a "Meals on Wheels"-type program. You could also enroll your loved one in a group meal program at your local senior center (for more information on group meals for seniors, click here for The Eldercare Locator or call 800-677-1116 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              800-677-1116      end_of_the_skype_highlighting).

Make mealtime fun. Aside from being difficult, eating can be a lonely and boring experience for those who might have to eat alone. It could also be unpleasant for those whose medicines have altered the way certain foods taste. Invite your loved one over for dinner to eat with family and friends, and use fresh herbs and spices to boost the flavor of their meal. 

http://www.caringtoday.com/get-basic-caregiving/hard-to-swallow