I'm on a modified diet. I did not choose to be on this diet. The management of the facility defers to the speech therapist. Speech therapists professional opinions vary, in my experience. My first speech therapist was thorough and gave me a standardized form, detailing recommended diet, and guidelines pertaining to oral care:
The Dysphagia Advanced Menu clearly says hash browns but the kitchen sends mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes just aren't appetizing at breakfast, but catsup on hash browns or sliced, fried potatoes (aka Home Fries) are delicious and safe. While I'm on the subject of potatoes, I don't appreciate my potatoes coming with the gravy on them. Many times they arrive too dry with scant amount or drenched. It may be more judicious to serve a half cup of gravy on the side. Also, gravy is limiting; sometimes, I want catsup or sour cream.
The menu says ice cream sandwich but they send a cup of vanilla ice cream. The cookie part of the sandwich is soft and safe to eat.
Consistency is still an issue, this is because it difficult to order intelligently. With dysphagia, our tongues are not very dextrous, therefore mixed textures are treacherous. For example, vegetable beef soup usually arrives with thick broth; this is acceptable. However, on 8/23 the broth arrived thin; this is a minefield.
Check for pocketing after every meal; Small bites; Sauces and gravies to moisten foods for cohesion, No mixed consistencies; Foods to avoid; Foods to Beware of; (Liquifiable foods like jello and ice cream); Liquid recommendations; thin, syrup-like, pudding, npo; Alternate sips and bites; and such.I think informed choice is the fairest objective. But despite being of sound mind, I do not get to choose. I will, however, endeavor to educate.
The Dysphagia Advanced Menu clearly says hash browns but the kitchen sends mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes just aren't appetizing at breakfast, but catsup on hash browns or sliced, fried potatoes (aka Home Fries) are delicious and safe. While I'm on the subject of potatoes, I don't appreciate my potatoes coming with the gravy on them. Many times they arrive too dry with scant amount or drenched. It may be more judicious to serve a half cup of gravy on the side. Also, gravy is limiting; sometimes, I want catsup or sour cream.
The menu says ice cream sandwich but they send a cup of vanilla ice cream. The cookie part of the sandwich is soft and safe to eat.
Consistency is still an issue, this is because it difficult to order intelligently. With dysphagia, our tongues are not very dextrous, therefore mixed textures are treacherous. For example, vegetable beef soup usually arrives with thick broth; this is acceptable. However, on 8/23 the broth arrived thin; this is a minefield.
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