Chapter 6: Reintroducing Meal Choices
Overview:
- Addresses the meaning of food beyond the nutritional benefits of eating
- Explores the disadvantages of not eating
- Informs about the importance of communication in formulating a tube-feeding care plan
- Proforma of a care plan for introducing meal choices
- Discussion of the importance of educating health professionals, family and friends who surround a person being reintroduced to oral food
- Includes a relevant case study
Description:
Tube feeding provides an opportunity to replace oral food and fluid intake with nutritionally complete tube-feeding formulae. However, people with a gastrostomy tube - who do not have an oral intake - can have difficulty adjusting to a lifestyle that lacks food-centered activities. This chapter explores the symbolism of food and the losses experienced by people who can no longer take food orally.
Topics:
- Meanings of food
- Losses associated with not eating
- Guidelines and education
- Assessing oral intake
- Suitability of tubes
- Team involvement
- Beginning the process
- Educating carers
- Case study
- Conclusion
Speakers / Authors:
Clare Hetzel
Clare is a psychologist, sexual health consultant, and visual artist. She holds a bachelor of arts degree (in psychology and anthropology), a diploma in educational psychology, and a diploma in visual arts. Clare has been involved in both private and public health care as a psychologist, educator, family counsellor, mediator, and consultant for the past twenty years. During this time she has developed and implemented a range of programs - including programs on sensual well-being and sexual health promotion, communication and conflict resolution, and grief and stress management.
Clare spent four years working with the complex care unit at Melbourne Extended Care and Rehabilitation Service (Victoria, Australia), during which time one of her roles was supporting people and their families in adjusting to living with a gastrostomy tube. Clare is a co-director of Desirable Outcomes Pty Ltd, a business that is committed to promoting sexual health for adults in aged and disability services.
Catherine Barrett
Catherine is a registered nurse who holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing science and certificates in gerontic nursing, advanced management, sexual and reproductive health, and assessment and workplace training. She is a member of Geriaction Victoria, the Australian Association of Gerontologists, and the Royal College of Nursing, Australia. Catherine has been working in aged care since 1982 as a nurse unit manager, an external assessor for the Standards and Accreditation Agency, a veterans’ project officer, and a consultant nurse for the National Ageing Research Institute.
Catherine is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne (Victoria, Australia). The subject of her thesis is practice change to enhance patient-centred care. Catherine’s research interests include sexuality in aged care, person-centred care, organisational change, practice development, and action research. She is also co-director of Desirable Outcomes Pty Ltd, a business that is committed to promoting sexual and sensual health for adults in aged-care and disability services.
Sally Bowen
Sally is a chef and food consultant, business woman, and sculptor who holds a bachelor of arts degree. As a qualified chef, Sally has worked in restaurants, catering businesses, and hospitals. She believes that food should be presented elegantly and simply and that it should stir the senses with vibrant colours, aromatic smells, diverse textures and stimulating flavours. Sally has worked with health professionals to develop exciting and stimulating foods for those in their care - both those who take their food orally and those who are fed via gastrostomy tubes.
Sally is committed to improving the quality of life of her clients, customers, and colleagues. She is a co-director of Desirable Outcomes Pty Ltd, a business that is committed to promoting sexual health for adults in aged and disability services.
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