Food & beverage is an important part of health & wellness services for the elderly. As we grow older our food habits & preferences tend to change, food which was easier on the stomach starts to feel heavy & indigestible.
Whether it a simple meal or food made on festivals, one starts to cut down on the quantity & calories as per our ageing process.
In a culturally diverse country like India our food habits are also diverse. The consumption patterns along with the style of cooking varies depending upon the respective States.
A simple & humble potato can be cooked in 25 different ways depending upon the geography & the dish.
Food nutrition & presentation are the key elements for healthy & appealing menu planning especially in residential care homes.
As per the resource document “Food Nutrition in Care Homes for Older People”, Wales (UK), sensory changes such as changes in taste, smell & hearing can change as people age. Taste changes can occur as a result of illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s & during treatment for cancer.
Sight & smell can play an important role in stimulating appetite hence food should be presented attractively & made appetising with different flavours and colours.
Smells of cooking & baking can stimulate conversations about food & help people look forward to meals.
Serving smaller meals & offering a second portion might help stop feelings of being overwhelmed by a meal that is perceived as too large by a resident.
If residents are struggling to eat due to difficulties in holding cutlery then adapted cutlery or items such as plate guards can be explored.
Home management should ensure that there is adequate staff at meal timings in case of choking or accidents.
Caregivers or F&B staff should provide help as is needed yet aiming for as much independence as possible.
Talking to a resident about the meal they are eating might help encourage them to eat more. Having a conversation & being
positive about the meal might help entice residents with a small appetite to eat more.
The staff should encourage mindful eating & talk to residents about the look, smell & taste of the meal, it can be a therapeutic activity. Encouraging residents to talk about their favourite foods can help with understanding their habits and preferences better.
Loss of appetite & not being able to eat & drink is very difficult for both residents & those closest to them. Emphasis on nutritional care should always be on the enjoyment of nourishing food and drinks & maximising quality of life.
Senior Care sector in India is a growing market hence it is important that national level guidelines should be freely available for all. It is critical that all stakeholders should understand the importance of food especially w.r.t care homes for the elderly.
Document can be accessed on the website https://www.gov.wales/ or downloaded here (Food & Beverage in Elderly Care Homes) or can be read below