The hospice and palliative care Los Angeles doctors and nursing team understand what a challenge it can be to tailor-make a diet for someone who is having problems swallowing because of an illness. Regardless, hospice Los Angeles staff say you should remain patient as you find the appropriate meals for your loved one and depend on help from nurses and practitioners. 

Discover from the hospice staff how you can help feed a loved one with issues swallowing, particularly after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. 

What Causes Swallowing Problems?

There are many reasons a hospice or palliative care Los Angeles patient may have problems swallowing. The cause of swallowing difficulties may influence the way in which you can properly feed your loved one. The most common causes are: 

• Specific types of cancer
• Problems with motor function
• Stroke
• Nervous system disorder

When a person has cancer, it can cause problems with swallowing. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy may also add to or be a direct result of difficulty with swallowing. It is critical to follow the dietary recommendations of your loved one’s physician to give them optimal care. 

How To Help Someone With Difficulty Swallowing?

Your loved one’s doctor or nurse providing palliative care in Los Angeles can provide more particular details on how to properly feed your loved one. It is vital to talk about the best feeding strategy directly with a medical professional to offer more specific information. 

Nevertheless, there is some general advice that is crucial for you to follow, and it has been listed in detail down below for you. 

Stay Away From Foods That Are Difficult To Swallow

Maybe the most apparent advice someone can give is to limit the amount or number of foods that are difficult to swallow, such as crunchy foods and tough meats. In many instances, you can soften or cut up harder-to-swallow meals so that they are less of a problem to swallow. Doing this can help your loved one enjoy many of their favorite dishes. 

Make Your Loved Ones Food Soft And Tender

You can always soften foods that are challenging for your loved one to swallow. A good way of achieving this is by cooking foods that are usually harder. For instance, you can serve your loved one carrots and other harder veggies by steaming them to make them softer and easier to swallow. And this is the same for potatoes (like mash potatoes) and any meats you want to feed them. 

Eat Smaller Meals Instead Of Fewer Large Meals

Many people make the mistake of reducing the number of meals they give patients with swallowing difficulties. Rather than doing this, you should actually increase the number of meals, giving more small meals (four or five) throughout the day. 

Don’t Give Foods And Drinks That Could Cause Irritation 

Many foods are hard to swallow because they usually cause irritation. Some of these are hot or frozen beverages, spicy foods, and alcohol. Plus, smoking can also cause irritation. So, it is highly recommended to avoid these foods, drinks, and habits to improve your loved one’s ability to swallow. 

What Meals Are Not Suitable For Swallowing Difficulties?

There are some foods in general that are not suitable for someone with swallowing difficulties. It is crucial to stay away from these foods and drinks as much as possible. These foods and drinks include:

• Tortilla chips
• Tough meats
• Tomato-based dishes
• Spicy foods
• Hard slices of bread (toast, pizza)

For many individuals, finding the proper foods to feed someone who has problems swallowing is usually trial and error. Obviously, some foods are probably more difficult to swallow and pretty apparent, such as ribs and other tougher meats. 

What Meals Are Good For A Person With Swallowing Difficulties?

It is advisable to have specific meal ideas for your loved one with swallowing difficulties. Obviously, it is important to keep in mind any allergies or dietary restrictions he or she may have. With that being said, foods and drinks that are suitable to eat for someone with swallowing problems are:

• Chicken or tuna salad
• Milkshakes
• Egg salad
• Creamy peanut butter
• Cottage or ricotta cheese
• Soups
• Stews
• Noodles
• Sweet potatoes
• Applesauce
• Meatballs
• Baked apples
• Smoothies

Even though it is not a broad rule, you could say that the easier the food to chew, the more effortless it is to swallow. Obviously, it is also a good idea to avoid any foods that can irritate your loved one undergoing hospice or palliative care, which includes many dishes that are spicy or hot. Nevertheless, some warmer dishes such as soup are fine, especially if you let it cool down by putting in a few ice cubes before serving. 

Faith & Hope Hospice And Palliative Care Helps Patients With Difficulty Swallowing Because Of A Serious Or Terminal Illness

If you or your loved one is thinking about palliative or hospice care or in need of Los Angeles end of life care, contact Faith & Hope today. We are palliative and hospice Los Angeles professionals who make sure that patients diagnosed with a terminal illness get the assistance they need to enjoy a good quality of life.