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=CpR5_LQCyzk

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.