Feeding the frail elderly

1. Frail older adults need to be fed carefully and observed closely while eating to prevent choking and aspiration of food and fluids. They choke more easily on clear liquids than on soft foods with some texture. 2. The licensed nurse is responsible for evaluating the physical status of frail older adults before feeding them and for assuring that less qualified personnel are aware of the dangers and specific precautions in feeding these types of patients. 3. The use of nutritious finger foods allows frail older people some degree of independence by encouraging them to feed themselves whenever possible. Careful menu planning can result in a variety of nutritious foods for older people. 4. Soft-cooked vegetables and fruits are more appetizing and acceptable to frail edentulous older adults than pureed or ground foods. Making mealtime special may be one of their few pleasures. 5. Frail older adults should remain in a sitting or semi-Fowler's position for at least one to two hours after eating to prevent possible regurgitation and aspiration of food or fluids.