Most of the time our clients eat a regular diet plan, with many older people preferring typical English meals such as cottage pie, sausage and mash, and similar meals, because they are used to this style of cooking.
Sometimes due to health reasons, we may be placed with a client who has different dietary needs.
A gluten-free diet does not necessarily mean that your client has Celiac Disease, they may also have gluten sensitivity or intolerance to a milder degree.
It is very important that you are aware of the level of gluten intolerance that you client has before you start to cook meals for them.
1. Education is the best and only way to handle this situation. You need to be aware of the health risks and the level of intolerance.
2. Ensure that all food (beverages included) is gluten free and do not contain any gluten in a hidden form.
3. Talk to your client (or family/next of kin) to find out exactly what they can and cannot eat and plan your meals accordingly.
4. Keep all surfaces thoroughly clean and pay attention to cooking utensils and cookware.
5. Make sure that any visitors and the incoming carer are fully aware of the precautions you take.
6. Label all dishes that you may cook and freeze and store then separately from other foods.
7. Because many gluten foods are high in sugar, be sure to offer your client a variety of gluten free snacks and desserts which are not high in sugar.
Final thought
Being gluten-free is not a huge issue and should not be allowed to become one either. With a small amount of forward planning and some modifications to food handling, there is no reason why your client cannot enjoy delish meals and still be healthy, and gluten-free.
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