NUTR 1322 Basic Nutrition Discussion Post 3

According to DeBruyne et al. (2016), the nutritional concerns of people with feeding disabilities include inadequate food intake leading to malnutrition and weight loss, or inappropriate amounts of food being given by the caregiver resulting in overweight and obesity. To evaluate and treat feeding problems may involve an effort provided by a team of healthcare professionals from various disciplines, including nurses, dieticians, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and gastroenterologists. Together, they may evaluate a person’s ability to eat and advise what adaptations may be needed to promote independence. For instance, the use of adaptive feeding devices and adaptive equipment can make a remarkable difference in the ability of a person to self-feed. Other adaptations may include new therapies to be learned and administered, time spent to prepare special foods, monitoring the use of adaptive equipment, and helping with feedings. While I personally have never had experience with people with feeding disabilities, I think caring for them requires a lot of patience and time as well as readiness to dedicate your life to caring for others.

NUTR 1322 Basic Nutrition Discussion Post  Reply 1

Dear Linda, thank you for your post! It was very interesting to read about your aunt’s experiences working with individuals with feeding problems. As DeBruyne et al. (2016) discuss, patients with feeding issues may experience nutrition concerns and require adaptations to be made to promote their independence. As you noted, there are many strategies and equipment designed to help patients with feeding problems to self-feed independently. There is also a team of healthcare professionals trained to help such individuals and improve their lives. I personally think that patients with feeding problems may also need help with mental health issues. After all, losing independence is always difficult. I think we should take this into consideration and help address mental health of such patients to promote their well-being.

NUTR 1322 Basic Nutrition Discussion Post  Reply 2

hello Angel, I enjoyed reading your post, thank you! I agree with your argument that the most likely issue that may occur with the patient who has trouble swallowing, chewing, and bringing food to her mouth would be malnutrition and resulting weight loss (DeBruyne et al., 2016). Of course, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals including dieticians, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, gastroenterologists, and others should help evaluate the feeding problems of such patient. Together, they can find appropriate interventions and adaptations to implement in this particular case to promote the patient’s independence. I think that one of the most important things in the lives of those who have feeding issues is the need to feel support from those who care for them. We should remember this to improve the health and well-being of such patients.

Reference

DeBruyne, L K., Pinna, K., & Whitney, E. (2016). Nutrition and diet therapy. Cengage Learning.