Soft Choices for Christmas Dinner for Elderly Patients

The simple act of eating for many elderly people can be difficult for many reasons; perhaps they have an illness or condition which makes swallowing impossible or perhaps they have a reduced appetite which is common among older people.

People who are suffering with dementia or recovering from a stroke or cancer for instance can feel uncomfortable or awkward particularly about sharing Christmas dinner with others.

Whatever the issue may be leading an elderly patient to feel uncomfortable or worried reassure them that they can enjoy Christmas dinner albeit by way of a few changes. Find out more at the Live-in Care Hub (www.liveincarehub.co.uk).

For an elderly person who has a severe dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, you should make the mini food processor along with instant food thickener your friend this Christmas. Vegetables can be easily pureed with added stock and a scoop of food thickener and even meat can be pureed providing you first chop the pieces of meat very finely before adding them to the processor. Again, add a little stock and instant food thickener and puree it until it resembles a smooth paté. Potatoes can be mashed very finely with the addition of milk and butter, or instant mash can be used. Christmas pudding may be too difficult to puree due to its sticky texture but fruit pie filling can be mashed or pureed and served with thin custard.

The Better at Home report has lots of information on how you can make life easier for your elderly loved one including diet and nutrition ideas. Home carers for the elderly have extensive experience in how to cater for someone who needs a soft food diet and they know that it is easy to whip up a lovely Christmas dinner if you choose the ingredients carefully.

It can be difficult to eat a traditional Christmas meal even for people without any kind of illness or swallowing disorder because let’s face it, Christmas dinner can be quite stodgy! Instead of the traditional turkey, beef or ham with all the trimmings why not look at softer foods like stews and casseroles, corned beef hash or chilli and risotto. Cottage Pie can be a good choice providing it is made with very finely cut minced beef and finely mashed potato. Serve with mashed or pureed vegetables. Omelettes, macaroni cheese or soft pasta with a creamy sauce are delicious and filling alternatives. Smooth patés, hummus or guacamole can be served as starters as an alternative to soup if you prefer.

Desserts can include mashed bananas with cream or ice cream. Full fat yoghurts and soft puddings like mousse or crème caramel are easy to swallow and not too filling. Trifle is a traditional Christmas dessert which can be given to those who require a soft diet. If a hot pudding is preferred a simple rice pudding or soft sponge pudding and custard should hit the spot.

The simple act of eating for many elderly people can be difficult for many reasons; perhaps they have an illness or condition which makes swallowing impossible or perhaps they have a reduced appetite which is common among older people.

People who are suffering with dementia or recovering from a stroke or cancer for instance can feel uncomfortable or awkward particularly about sharing Christmas dinner with others.

Whatever the issue may be leading an elderly patient to feel uncomfortable or worried reassure them that they can enjoy Christmas dinner albeit by way of a few changes. Find out more at the Live-in Care Hub (www.liveincarehub.co.uk).

For an elderly person who has a severe dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, you should make the mini food processor along with instant food thickener your friend this Christmas. Vegetables can be easily pureed with added stock and a scoop of food thickener and even meat can be pureed providing you first chop the pieces of meat very finely before adding them to the processor. Again, add a little stock and instant food thickener and puree it until it resembles a smooth paté. Potatoes can be mashed very finely with the addition of milk and butter, or instant mash can be used. Christmas pudding may be too difficult to puree due to its sticky texture but fruit pie filling can be mashed or pureed and served with thin custard.

The Better at Home report has lots of information on how you can make life easier for your elderly loved one including diet and nutrition ideas. Home carers for the elderly have extensive experience in how to cater for someone who needs a soft food diet and they know that it is easy to whip up a lovely Christmas dinner if you choose the ingredients carefully.

It can be difficult to eat a traditional Christmas meal even for people without any kind of illness or swallowing disorder because let’s face it, Christmas dinner can be quite stodgy! Instead of the traditional turkey, beef or ham with all the trimmings why not look at softer foods like stews and casseroles, corned beef hash or chilli and risotto. Cottage Pie can be a good choice providing it is made with very finely cut minced beef and finely mashed potato. Serve with mashed or pureed vegetables. Omelettes, macaroni cheese or soft pasta with a creamy sauce are delicious and filling alternatives. Smooth patés, hummus or guacamole can be served as starters as an alternative to soup if you prefer.

Desserts can include mashed bananas with cream or ice cream. Full fat yoghurts and soft puddings like mousse or crème caramel are easy to swallow and not too filling. Trifle is a traditional Christmas dessert which can be given to those who require a soft diet. If a hot pudding is preferred a simple rice pudding or soft sponge pudding and custard should hit the spot.