LOSS OF ABILITY TO FEED INDEPENDENTLY Amy Hayley

LOSS OF ABILITY TO FEED INDEPENDENTLY Amy, Hayley and Aimee.

WAYS OF LOSSING THE ABILITY TO FEED INDEPENDENTLY • • STROKE DEMENTIA / ALZHEIMERS BRAIN DAMAGE SEVERE CASES OF MENTAL DISABILITY. PARALYZED FROM THE NECK DOWNWARDS. PARKINSONS DISEASE CANCER

WHAT IS A STROKE…. . • A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off by a blood clot or a ruptured artery or blood vessel. • brain cells are then damaged or die. strokes can damage: • bodily functions • our thought processes • our ability to learn, and • how we feel and communicate

Different degrees of strokes • Depending on which part of the brain is affected and how fast it is treated can also determine the severity and affect abilities. • Some people may experience mini strokes which are called TIA’s • Bell’s palsy – which is a facial paralysis (this is only temporary)

How to identify a stroke…. • http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Cp. R 5_LQ Cyzk

How these will affect an individuals ability to feed themselves. Inability to chew and swallow solid foods. A weakness of one side of the body. Unable to pick up cutlery Unable to cut food up and then feed themselves. • Inability to understand the concept of eating. • •

How can you over come these problems…. . • Specialised equipment like cutlery, lighter and deeper bowls, beakers, plate guards and many more. • Physiotherapy • Occupational therapy • Speech and language therapist. • PEG feeds • Carer to help feed the patient. • Tube feeding e. g. NG tubes

Diet • Strict diet plans – avoiding foods that are high in salt, sugar, cholesterol and saturated fats. • Chewy foods like meat need to be minced or pureed. • Avoid foods which are small and could easily be choked on. • Pureed or softer option diets. • Soft sticky foods should be avoided. • Avoid mixing textures of foods together.

WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IF IT IS LEFT UNTREATED…… • Patients may become malnourished or under nourished. , leading to a loss of weight. • May cause them to develop a deficiency like anaemia. • Will effect the individual being involved in social activities like going out for meals. • This may then cause the individual to become low and then become depressed. • Having to be dependent on someone to feed them- lose of independence. • In severe cases they may have to have a PEG tube put in place. • The patient may need vitamin supplements or ensure juices or milkshakes if they are deficient in certain nutrients.