How to help Geriatric People have a Fully Independent Mealtime (With a Little Help)

Your geriatric patient, spouse, or parent has difficulties with self-feeding because of arthritis, stroke, or other ailments. They enjoy mealtimes considerably more when they can do it independently. You would like to help. How can you do this?

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• dining bibs
• scooper plates
• Non-Skid Dinnerware
• extra-long reusuable straws

1. The fact is, geriatric folks who cannot manage mealtimes independently need help to help themselves. Ordinary tableware, plates, mugs, glasses, and most dining implements are not appropriate for geriatric people who have such difficulties. As a caregiver, the best way you can help is to give these people the proper tools so that they can dine independently.
2. The bib-Of all the assistive dining implements, the bib is often the most difficult one to present to the geriatric patient. After all, many geriatric people view dining bibs as necessary only for the neediest people--the ones who are least able to take care of themselves.
   The flaw in this argument is that many folks who need bibs actually prefer bibs. Bibs allow the geriatric person to feed him or herself without fear of dropping food and soiling their clothing.
3. After you've introduced the bib-Assistive dinnerware is often welcomed with open arms by geriatric people weary of food not remaining on their plates or of spoons and forks that don't stay put. Assistive dinnerware consists of so many helpful types of adapted plates, forks, bowls, and mugs
4. Last but not least-Liquids, especially hot liquids like tea, coffee, or cocoa, are an area of special concern to geriatric people who have difficulties dining independently. Spilling liquids almost always results in a huge mess. In the case of hot liquids, serious injury can result. Assistive beverage implements include cupholders that attach bedside or to the wheelchair, extra-long reusuable straws, and straw holders to keep the straw firmly vertical and in one spot.

Tips & Warnings

• Adult bib helps protect clothing during meals.
• Food Bumpers helps make scooping food onto utensils easier.