The majority of our lives are spent making daily choices in regards to food and health, with the viewpoint that the quality of our decisions will have a direct outcome on our overall well being in the future.

Whereas old age is the living breathing culmination of a lifetime’s worth of nutritional choices and an unforgiving exposé of the manner in which you chose to live your life.

There are a number of myths surrounding those in the elderly age bracket, and one of the most negligent and ill-informed viewpoints is that elderly people have lesser nutritional requirements than the rest of the population.

When in reality, the elderly actually have nutritional requirements that are similar to every other age group, and a majority will actually require special attention in order to ensure that all nutrient levels are being met.

That’s why Autumn Aged Care place so much importance on meal time.

What’s On the Menu at Autumn Aged Care?

While there is certainly no shortage of fad diets and alternative eating advice circulating in 2019, one thing that seems to be universal in its acceptance is the notion that fruits and vegetables are the two most important building blocks of any nutritious diet.

Vegetables, including legumes and other beans, contain hundreds of vitamins and minerals, and eating a wide variety of different types of vegetables ensures that the consumer is ingesting as many of these vital nutrients as possible.

Fruit, on the other hand, is a great source of fiber, which is very important for elderly eaters, because it is a great way to combat issues of constipation, and is also known to lower cholesterol levels which can help to prevent things like heart disease.

Different coloured fruits and vegetables contain a variety of nutritional content, which means that one sure fire way to ensure maximum health benefits is by eating in the most colourful way possible.

Unfortunately though, for some seniors, biting into an apple or celery stalk is not as straightforward a task as it might be for other age brackets.

Loose teeth, decreased saliva, and the assortment of swallowing difficulties that come with dysphagia can make consuming the right type of foods difficult, and this can lead to an overall lack of appetite and reduced nutrient intake.

In most cases, people facing these types of issues will require foods and liquids that have been modified in texture, while still maintaining high nutritional content.

New Horizons For Food In Aged Care

One of the main aspects of being a great aged care provider is having the ability to keep an open mind in regards to new ideas.

Thanks to the amount of new research and technological advancements within the aged care industry, we are gaining more evidence-based insight into caring for elderly people.

Food in aged care is no exception to this trend, with exciting new insights pointing to a strong connection between gut health and the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Evidence from numerous studies indicate that a diverse and balanced population of gut microbiota is important for maintaining a strong immune system and aiding digestion.

There is also increasing evidence that suggests the gut microbiota is a key link between specific nutrients and brain function.

While the exact depth of the relationship between the gut and the brain has not yet fully realised by researchers, experts believe that there is an ongoing conversation that goes on between the gut and the brain; and that food affects the messages that are being passed on.

The best way to ensure a very rich and well-balanced population of gut flora is by having a constant flow of nutritious food entering the body in a way that is easy to digest.

We are fully committed to making this a reality for every elderly Australian that calls Autumn Aged Care their home.

More Than Just Nutrition

Australian celebrity chef Maggie Beer has long been known for her passion to change the food experience for older Australians, and this has prompted Autumn Aged Care chefs to partake in some of her specially designed food masterclasses that are aimed at those who cook for the elderly.

Our Autumn Aged Care chefs will be soaking up the invaluable lessons from within this masterclass and bringing them back to share with other staff members and apply new principles and passion to our terrific aged care menu.

Nutrition and taste have always been top priorities, part of this experience will focus on the social aspect of eating, and the joy that comes with being able to enjoy food amongst friends.

Because while good food can nourish the body, it’s the experiences and interactions that you have with others at meal times that nourish the soul.

The post Food For Thought: The Importance of Food & Nutrition for Our Residents appeared first on Autumn Aged Care.

From mobility difficulties due to energy and decreasing muscle density to difficulty swallowing, medical teams within aged care facilities have been tasked with finding sustainable, accessible and strategic ways to meet residents’ needs.

One of the prevalent difficulties faced by many residents in aged care is dysphagia. Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing.

The triggers for dysphagia have been found to be stroke, neck cancer, dementia and Parkinson’s disease related as well as developing with the advancement of age.

Thickened fluids have been used as a means of treating dysphagia.

Understandably many family members have been concerned when their loved ones have been placed on a thickened food diet.

Not having the pleasure of eating textured foods and normal liquids can cause stress in people, as well as other difficulties.

Understanding the factors that lead to a thickened fluid diet can help to process need and usefulness.

Why are thickened fluid prescribed?

A study from the University of Queensland investigated the use of thickened fluids and found that they are commonly used in the management of dysphagia.

Thickened fluids were specifically used to improve bolus control, which is a small mass of food that occurs repeatedly in the eating process, which can allow for choking or other hazards to occur.

Additionally, thickened fluids have been used to control for aspiration, which in medical terms means the action and process of drawing breath.

The Queensland government states that when it comes to treating issues relating to swallowing, thin liquids, such as regular water and juices can also cause issues.

“People with swallowing problems may find it particularly difficult to swallow thin fluids such as water, milk, tea, coffee etc. Thin fluids do not hold together well in the mouth, and can be easily passed into the lungs (aspirated). Thickened drinks are safer because they move around the mouth more slowly and allow better control of swallowing.”

Does taste factor into thickened fluids?

It is important to acknowledge that those who are unable to be on a normal diet of food and drink are highly likely to feel frustrated by this fact.

It is unlikely that thickened fluids will ever be able to truly supplement a normal diet in terms of enjoyment and holistic nutritional benefit.

Thickened fluids are prescribed to prevent serious issues like choking, aspirating (taking fluids into the lungs), serious coughing and other issues, it is a means of attempting to assist and care yet it does have some drawbacks.

Many have spoken that the taste of thickened fluids leaves a lot to be desired.

Studies have looked into the taste response and possibilities of thickened fluids.

The University of Pennsylvania conducted a study into the taste acceptability of thickening agents in thickened fluids and discovered there was a preference for sweet varieties.

“Our results suggest that some liquids may be more palatable when thickened than others. Ginger ale was considered the most palatable thickened liquid, which suggests that sweet or carbonated liquids may be more tolerable when thickened.”

Studies conducted, such as the one done by the University of Pennsylvania highlight an important area in the use of thickened fluids.

To provide the opportunity for residents to provide feedback, to have their voice heard and to create a coordinated investigation into what works in this area, will likely have positive outcomes.

When it comes to treating and mitigating difficult conditions such as dysphagia and thickened fluids, a holistic approach of health professionals, dieticians and importantly, residents is arguably the way that significant progress can be made medically and emotionally.

The post Thickened fluids – why are they used and is taste a factor? appeared first on Autumn Aged Care.