There are many simple ways in which meal
times can be made easier, as described below.
Meal times
• If eating is slow and tiring, then it may be easier to cope with several small meals a day, rather than three main meals.
• If it
is a hot meal, serve the food on a warming
mat, in an insulated bowl, or microwave the food during
the meal – this stops the food getting cold if eating is a slow process.
Swallowing
• If the
throat tenses up while eating, try yawning several times before a meal to relax the throat.
• If swallowing
is difficult, then keeping the chin tucked down to the chest may make things easier. Taking regular sips of water will also help.
• Good posture and a comfortable position
while eating will also aid swallowing.
• Only put a small amount of food on the fork or spoon – this prevents spills
and helps with swallowing.
• If a
semi-solid or pureed diet is required due to swallowing difficulties, then you should ask to be referred
to a
speech and language therapist and a dietitian. Not all swallowing problems are due to PD and the cause of the problem should
be confirmed before
changing the diet.
Practical aids
• Hot drinks can
be served in an insulated cup to stop them getting cold. Sometimes these cups have a lid and spout,
which can stop spillages and help with drinking.
• Don’t overfill cups, and consider the use of a straw.
• Using weighted cups can help to prevent tremor when drinking.
• Serve the meal on a raised level, e.g., put
the plate on a small box or stand, so that the food is nearer the mouth.
This helps with transferring the food from the plate to the mouth.
• It may help to place the elbows on the table to steady the hands/arms when eating.
• If spillage
is a problem, use an apron/bib with a plastic or easy-clean cloth for the table.
• A plate can be placed on a rubber mat to prevent it slipping, and a clip-on ring can be added around the edge, to stop any food being accidentally pushed off the edge.
• Other eating aids that are available include a combined
fork/knife, a
‘rocking’ knife that cuts one-handed, and cutlery that is easier to hold.
• Contact your local
or national PD association for specific information
about the practical aids that are
available to you, and how they can be obtained.
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