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Caregiving
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Adding
foods to increase calories High
calorie/high protein drink Support GroupsResources
General
Information
Barber, Barton,
Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Hamilton,
Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Kiowa, Lane, Meade, Morton, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt,
Rush, Scott, Seward, Stafford, Stanton, Stevens, Wichita |
Using Finger Foods to Increase Intake and
Prevent Weight Loss
Finger
foods can be used to help the person with dementia maintain feeding
independence and reduce the risk of weight loss. Individuals who are unable
to hold or use utensils can continue to feed themselves using finger foods.
Care is needed to ensure that the varieties of foods offered are nutritious,
safe, and easy to handle. It is very important to find foods that a person
likes. Experiment with cooking methods and serving styles. The table that
follows offers suggestions on how meals can be adapted to support
self-feeding and still offer a meal that reflects the food groups with the
Food Guide Pyramid. Foods Needing Utensils Finger Food Substitutions scrambled eggs................. hard boiled eggs (cut
into wedges) apple sauce........................ peach slices (canned or fresh) mashed potatoes or rice ... french
fries or roasted potatoes (cut in wedges) spaghetti............................. ravioli (dip into small dish
of tomato sauce) peas.................................... peapods or whole green
beans meatloaf, sliced meat......... meat sandwiches (cut into
fingers for easy eating) tomato slices...................... cherry tomatoes
(cut in half) ice cream, puddings.......... serve them in a
flat-bottomed ice cream cone oatmeal cereal.................... oatmeal cookies SOME HINTS WHEN SERVING FINGER FOODS: ·
It is best to broaden one's view of socially acceptable finger foods ·
Save time by using foods that are easy to prepare or ready made ·
A bit of mess is O.K.; use "handy-wipes" and easy to clean
clothes or large napkins ·
Don't serve foods in liquid (e.g. drain the syrup from canned fruit) ·
Finger foods can add calories when used as snacks and offered
throughout the day ·
A dipping bowl for sauces and gravy adds calories and flavor ·
Don't leave milk or meat-based foods at room temperature for over 2
hours ·
Don't limit diet only to finger foods ·
Use your imagination when thinking up food ideas Reminder: There are other ways to support self-feeding. Occupational
Therapist, Dietician or other health care provider can offer suggestions on
special feeding devices and cuing (both verbal and physical.) |
Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging,
Inc.
620-225-8230 • Older Kansan's Hotline 800-742-9531 • Fax: 620-225-8240 • SWKAAA@hotmail.com
PSY 6/12/2007