Calories, Calories, Calories (written in nurse mode)

For people, food represents one of the central areas of activity, which is also closely linked to pleasure, experience, stimulation and, of course, interpersonal communication. However, eating is not only for the purpose of self-preservation, it is also a social act. In the advanced stage of the disease we consume too little food/fluid. And so we present our care and relatives with a problem. The question that arises here is: Why is this so? Is it just the MSA or is it just the wrong food? (Food biography) If there are swallowing or chewing disorders, can I still smell at all? Am I perhaps already disoriented because I drink too little?

The goals of food intake can be:

Eating as a social event between caregiver and patient
Daily structure (food ritual)
Appetite stimulation
Promotion or rediscovery of resources
Promotion of movement – guidance for independent eating
Depending on our limitations, it is necessary to find out individually how and to what extent the funding should be provided.

Animate with scents (if the patient can still smell). Make coffee / tea. Squeeze fresh juices.

Also the establishment of a small chat corner with coffee, tea, juices and biscuits, where one can withdraw, seems meaningful.

Food and drinks should be offered in a recognizable and unmissable way.

The use of unbreakable crockery, drinking aids and active hand-giving are possible aids to self-help.

Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables strengthen the immune system.

If necessary, create a drinking plan.

Another variation of the independent food consumption is finger food – it may not be larger than one or two bites and should neither be too hot, too sticky, nor too hard.

Sometimes it is necessary to serve puréed food. Then it is to be noted that the food is freshly prepared and puréed.

If the calories are no longer sufficient, you can add Fresubin Shots (high calorie/taste neutral) in the dessert, drinks etc.. Or offer a Fresubindrink yoghurt.

Sometime the time comes where you have to think about a PEG.

These tips and tricks were developed with basal stimulation in mind. If you want to know more about basal stimulation (how does it help me in caring for my relatives and how can I as a well-groomed person benefit from it). Or do you need finger food recipes (muffins)? How can such a food biography, a drinking plan look like?

Write to me: marion@leben-mit-msa.de

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