Every so often we may find ourselves caring for a client who simply loves junk foods. Now this may be acceptable to your new client, chances are you want to eat healthily yourself and when faced with this, can feel that you are put on the spot to join them in the junk food quest.
If your client has been living previously on their own, then they may have resorted to junk food as it is often unfortunately easier to obtain and cheap to buy. It is not necessarily the best but that may have been their diet.
So, being the first carer who wants to change the junk food style of eating, how can we do this?
A point to remember here is that as we age, our food tastes also change. Sweetness is easy to taste which may be why your client insists on chocolates.
There are also medications which have side effects of dry mouth, and a fading sense of smell can also add to the inability to taste food.
How can we help?
Create cravings
Find out from the family where your client used to eat out at as they were growing up. Bring up the subject of foods they used to enjoy.
Sometimes all you need is a trigger to remind you that you used to enjoy certain foods. Better still, find a recipe and make the dish. Most live-in carers are skilled at cooking and these days literally every dish is available online with instructions.
Serve attractive food
We try to do this anyway but remember that we eat with our eyes first and then with our mouths. A beautiful plate of healthy foods may tempt your client into trying other things because they look so attractive.
Stick to small portions
To many older clients the thought of wasting food is abhorrent. They were likely brought up never to waste food so a full plate of food may simply be too much for them to handle. Keep the portions small and that way you may see an empty plate more frequently.
Final thoughts
Ultimately it may be your client who has the last say about what they eat and whether you join them in their choice or not will be up to you.
If you simply cannot fall into this routine, you may want to ask the family to make provision for a food allowance so that you can at least feed yourself on a decent diet.
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