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Tag: Caregiving

Explore our comprehensive collection of health articles in this category.

What does nectar thick look like? A visual guide to consistency

4 min read
For individuals with dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, drinking thin liquids can pose a serious risk. Understanding what does nectar thick look like is a vital step in managing this condition and ensuring safe hydration. This specific consistency of thickened liquid is a common recommendation by healthcare professionals.

How to get someone who is not eating to eat?

4 min read
According to the Mayo Clinic, a variety of factors can cause individuals to refuse food, from medical conditions and swallowing difficulties to mental health struggles and a reduced interest in eating. Understanding this complexity is the first step in learning how to get someone who is not eating to eat and providing the compassionate care they need. This comprehensive guide will equip you with effective strategies to encourage food intake and support your loved one's well-being.

How to Motivate Someone to Eat When Appetite Is Low

7 min read
According to the American Cancer Society, appetite loss is common with cancer and its treatments, but can also come from other medical issues, depression, or aging. Motivating someone to eat requires understanding and creative solutions beyond just offering food.

How does IDDSI affect quality of life?

4 min read
For millions of people worldwide with swallowing difficulties, or dysphagia, mealtimes can become a source of anxiety rather than enjoyment. Understanding how IDDSI affects quality of life is crucial for appreciating its role in restoring safety, dignity, and pleasure to eating and drinking.

What is the IDDSI food test and why is it important?

4 min read
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects millions globally and can have serious health consequences, including aspiration and choking. The IDDSI food test provides a critical, universal method for caregivers and clinicians to assess food and drink textures to ensure patient safety.

Can thickened liquids cause dehydration?

4 min read
According to research, up to 75% of individuals in long-term care who rely on thickened liquids for oral hydration are at risk of dehydration. While the liquids themselves do not directly cause dehydration, a number of factors associated with their use can lead to significantly reduced fluid intake. This article explores the nuanced relationship between thickened liquids and hydration status, providing practical strategies for ensuring adequate fluid intake for those with swallowing difficulties.

Can Not Eating Make Dementia Worse? Understanding the Link

6 min read
According to Alzheimer's Disease International, undernutrition is particularly common among people with dementia, with weight loss often preceding the onset of symptoms and accelerating thereafter. This leads many to question: can not eating make dementia worse?

Can You Give Someone Water Through a Feeding Tube?

4 min read
According to healthcare data, proper hydration is a critical, yet often overlooked, component of patient care for individuals with enteral feeding tubes. Administering water through a feeding tube is not only possible but also a standard medical practice essential for flushing tubes, preventing dehydration, and ensuring the absorption of nutrients.

The Most Important Nutrition Concern for People with Alzheimer's

4 min read
Studies have shown that unintentional weight loss and undernutrition affect a significant number of individuals with dementia, with rates increasing as the disease progresses. For people with Alzheimer's, the most important nutrition concern is addressing and preventing malnutrition and its related complications. This is not simply about forgetting to eat, but a multifactorial issue encompassing physiological, cognitive, and behavioral changes.