Caregiver was instructed upon measures to improve oral intake as follows:
- Obtain a dietary consult if necessary to assist client in selecting foods/fluids that meet nutritional needs, are appealing, and adhere to personal and cultural preferences
- Encourage a rest period before meals to minimize fatigue.
- Maintain a clean environment and relaxed, pleasant atmosphere.
- Provide oral hygiene before meals to remove unpleasant tastes, which often improves the taste of foods/fluids.
- Serve frequent, small meals rather than large ones if client is weak, fatigues easily, and/or has a poor appetite.
- Bring in client’s favorite foods unless contraindicated and eat with him to make eating more of a familiar social experience.
- Allow adequate time for meals and reheat foods/fluids if necessary
- Limit fluid intake with meals to reduce early satiety and subsequent decreased food intake.
- Enable client to feed self to promote his independence.
- Increase activity as allowed, as activity usually promotes a sense of well-being, which can improve appetite.
- Ensure that meals are well balanced and high in essential nutrients; offer high-protein, high-calorie dietary supplements, as indicated.
