1. When a patient clenches his/her teeth, spits out food, becomes unruly, or demonstrates other disruptive eating behaviors, try discontinuing mealtime for a few minutes. Taking a short break can be helpful to both the patient and the caregiver. Sometimes just having a different person feed a patient can be helpful.
2. Be alert to the patient while feeding. A patient may spit out food not because he/she is being difficult, but because he/she is having a difficult time eating. Do not continue to feed a patient if he/she appears to be choking or coughing.
3. Have meals in complete privacy if the patient is embarrassed about his/her inability to feed himself/herself.
4. A patient may not have the judgment to know what should and should not be eaten; the caregiver may have to make those decisions. This is particularly important regarding special diets or when removing nonnutritive foods such as salt, ketchup, or seasonings that should not be consumed in excess.
5. When messiness or spills become a problem due to loss of coordination, there are many steps that can be taken to adjust.
6. Try using plastic tablecloths and a plastic apron for the patient; this will ease the cleaning-up process.
7. Plastic plates and cups are easier to handle and less likely to break than glass or pottery. Plastic utensils, however, can break easily and may be dangerous.
8. Utensils with large built-up handles can be held more easily. Foam handles can be built so that utensils are easier to grip.
9. There are many specially designed dishes and utensils available at medical supply stores that can make eating easier.
10. Mugs with lids can prevent spills but can be dangerous. Hot beverages are much hotter if consumed through a straw or from a mug with a lid that only has a small opening for the liquid, and can cause serious burns.