Feed the Beast

First and foremost, it is important to know exactly what to do to keep me safe.

1. Bring a cupful of water and a toothette (swab) to the food table. This can be used to moisten my mouth, to move food from the roof of my mouth or to remove food. 
2. Be prepared to call for additional help from nursing in the event of a choking incident. Pull the call light cord from the wall. 
3. Make certain patient is upright. For me, 90-degrees is unsafe for respiration. 
4. Temperature check. Touch food to patient's bottom lip whenever presented with hot, fresh food.  
5. Spicy factor. Spicy or overly sour foods can produce excessive saliva.
6. No thin liquids by mouth. Jello turns into a thin liquid.
7. No mixed textures. Soups are the usual suspects.
8. Small bites. 
9. No multiples. Loading the spoon or fork with small pieces of food creates a hazard. I can't track. 
10. No flat pieces. Sliced cheeses, meats, pickles, etc. Can't track within my mouth. 
11. Use gravies, sauces, and condiments to bind food together to make a bolus. 
12. Avoid overly thick items, like thick yogurts and puddings. 
13. Check for pocketing after every meal. Immediately use a toothette to remove remaining food particles.