Chewing and swallowing might become more difficult with age for several reasons, including dental problems, dry mouth, or medical conditions such as dysphagia. For seniors, these challenges can make eating unpleasant or even dangerous, resulting in poor nutrition and a lower quality of life. However, with intentional meal changes, in-home care providers and family members can help seniors continue to enjoy nutritional meals that are also easily digestible.
Soft, Easy to Chew Foods Are Key
The first step in adjusting meals is to choose foods that need less chewing. Soft foods are easier for seniors to digest and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
Some great options include:
- Cooked Vegetables: This includes carrots, zucchini, and sweet potatoes, which soften when boiled or steamed.
- Mashed Fruits: Many fruits, including bananas, avocados, and peaches, can be mashed.
- Eggs or Tofu: Both scrambled eggs and soft tofu are easy to chew and high in protein.
- Casseroles or Stews: This might seem like an odd choice, but many stews and casseroles are prepared with tender meat or seafood that may be shredded into small, manageable pieces.
- Soft-textured Pasta: Pasta such as macaroni or lasagna are easier for seniors to eat. Additionally, both zucchini and butternut squash can be spiralized to mimic noodles.
The key is to choose foods that provide key elements such as protein, vitamins, and minerals while also being easy to chew and swallow. Tough meats, raw vegetables, and dry or crunchy foods should all be avoided as they can cause discomfort.
Modify Food Textures
If chewing is tough but swallowing is not yet an issue, merely altering food textures can make a significant difference. Many foods can be softened, pureed, or blended to achieve a more manageable texture. In-home care can work with seniors to see which foods work best and even introduce easy-to-use equipment that can help them prepare the foods, such as a small, personal blender rather than a heavier, full-size one.
Some foods to start with include the following:
- Pureed Vegetables: Squash, peas, or spinach can be seasoned and eaten as a side.
- Soups: Soups can be made more smooth by blending ingredients. This ensures that seniors can eat them easily and still get the nutrients they need.
- Smoothies: Smoothies made with yogurt, milk, fruits, and greens are a great way to get protein, fiber, and vitamins in an easy-to-digest form.
Moisten Dry Foods
For seniors who suffer from dry mouth or find certain foods too dry to swallow properly, adding moisture is essential. Foods such as mashed potatoes, rice, and bread can be excessively dry, but adding sauces, broths, or gravies can make them considerably more digestible.
Here are some tips:
- To soften the texture of meats and vegetables, mix in gravy, broth, or cream sauces.
- Serve cooked cereals, such as oatmeal or cream of wheat, which are naturally wet and can be thinned with milk or water.
- Add milk, cream, or yogurt to foods like mashed potatoes or casseroles to improve their moisture content.
Thicken Liquids When Needed
Thin liquids might provide a choking threat for seniors with dysphagia. In-home care and family members can thicken liquids like water, juice, or milk with commercial thickening agents, gelatin, or cornstarch. Thickening liquids slows the swallowing process, which reduces the chance of aspiration.
Chewing and swallowing issues do not have to mean giving up on certain foods. In-home care can teach seniors and loved ones how to prepare nutritious meals by selecting softer foods, altering textures, moistening dry dishes, and thickening liquids as needed.
Sources: https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/nutrition-for-older-adults-chewing-swallowing-and-nutrition.html
https://www.umc.edu/Healthcare/ENT/Patient-Handouts/Adult/Speech-Language-Pathology/Swallowing/Dysphagia-Soft-Diet
If you or an aging loved one are considering In-Home Care Services in Framingham MA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Care Resolutions, Inc. today. (508) 906-5572
CARE Resolutions, Inc. provides quality 24-Hour Home Care for seniors and families in Walpole, Dover, Wellesley, Framingham, Norfolk, Quincy, Weston, Medfield, Boston, Sherborn MA, and surrounding areas.
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