Ideally, live-in carers like their clients to eat. Maybe not huge amounts, but we like to see them eat something. Most of the time this will happen, although occasionally you may arrive at a placement where the client simply does not eat much.

For carers this can be a dreadfully stressful time. It is our job to keep our clients in the best health that we can and eating pays a huge part in this. Having a client who eats like a little bird is not what we like to see.

What can be done?

Firstly, you should find out if this is ‘the norm’ or if there are any underlying issues. You should be able to read in the daily notes about your client’s eating habits. You will find out here if they have always been small and picky eaters or if things have changed due to health issues.

In either instance there are some things that you can do to encourage a client to eat a little more.

Small portions

For a client with no appetite (for whatever reason) there may be nothing more off-putting than a loaded plate of food. Even the tastiest food will fill them with horror because they know they will never eat that amount. They may even feel ill at the thought.

Small portions at regular intervals will be easier to handle. Once scrambled egg with a rasher of bacon, neatly cut up will look far more ‘do-able’ that a heaped plate of anything.

Cut things up

Sometimes finger foods are easier to eat than foods that need a knife and fork. Additionally, finger foods give the impression of ‘fun food’ rather than formal meals.

Chop things up into bite-sized pieces and set them out on a small plate with a cake fork if needed, and you may find your client enjoys eating a little more.

Don’t force the issue

Set a time for eating a meal and then remove that plate no matter what is left. No-one likes to see a plate of cold and dried food standing around. Remove it and plan the next small meal. Never reproach your client for not eating more, this will not improve the situation.

Encourage good work

Be enthusiastic in your praise when your client does succeed in finishing a plate of food. Remember that this may be a huge achievement for them so recognize it and be glad for that empty plate.

Use colors

Colors are fun! Use them to your advantage. If your client enjoys fruit, make a plate of several types, different colors, and textures. Use small amounts of colorful veggies rather than all one color.

Final thoughts

Whether your client has a medical issue or is simply not a big eater, you should still be able to tempt them with small, attractive portions.

While this may seem to take up many hours of your day, if it means that your client eats a little more each meal-time, then you have achieved something very important – keeping your client as healthy as you can.

Tags:

1

Go Back to Previous Page

Live in care jobs