A Geriatric Nutrition Program Designed to Improve Independence in Feeding
Joanne Nangeroni R.D.1 and
Philip S. Pierce Ph.D.2
1 The Dietetic Service ,The Veterans Administration Medical and Regional Office Center, Togus, Maine 04330
2 The Psychology Service, The Veterans Administration Medical and Regional Office Center, Togus, Maine 04330
Our geriatric nutrition program has demonstrated that an individualized, varied diet that includes foods of varying consistencies can be extremely effective in overcoming serious feeding problems in the elderly. The diet is not only more aesthetically pleasing than tional mechanical or pureed diets but also encourages self-feeding by offering a variety of soft finger foods.
This diet was developed to meet specific feeding disabilities that can lead to the malnutrition that is so often seen in regressed and severely demented patients. But its greatest benefit is the increase in selfesteem and independence experienced by the patients who participate in the program.
