Cooking Activities for Puréed and Mechanical Soft Diets

Cooking Activities for Puréed and Mechanical Soft Diets

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Swallowing disorders can occur at any age but are more common among the elderly, particularly those living with dementia or affected by strokes. Dysphagia is the medical term to describe difficulty swallowing.

Swallowing disorders can occur at any age but are more common among the elderly, particularly those living with dementia or affected by strokes.

In this article we cover:

  • Differences between Puréed and Mechanical Soft Diets
  • Foods to Avoid
  • Involving Residents on Soft Diets in Cooking Activities
  • Choosing Recipes for Cooking Activities
  • Cooking Activity Recipe Ideas
  • No-Cook Recipe Ideas

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Darla 28th Aug 2019 Recreation and Rehab Manager
Hummus (chick pea) was a success at our home, even the men enjoyed this recipe. Not of their generation, but still tasty for all to enjoy.

When teaching or orienting a new recreation staff to food and cooking program, the discussion of mixing textures is also raised.Such as adding shredded coconut or nuts to top off recipes can cause choking risks. We keep textures similar so people can manage to chew and swallow easier.

And one final note, as you recommend in the article, always check with dietician for suggestions and approval for ideas.
Talita 2nd Sep 2019
Thanks for your feedback Darla
Susan 16th Aug 2017 Activity Director
Here is something else we used to do with those on my purée diet
I would get a small package of sugar-free Jell-O and the flavor the residents want
Mix about half of it with a 32 ounce yogurt container
You can top it with Cool Whip
You could also add flavored applesauce
You could make this into a parfait to make it fancy
Susan 15th Aug 2017 Activity Director
I like plain hummus it is very tasty residents don't get it much and for those on puree diets they can eat it right off the spoon those on mechanical soft can eat it on a soft cracker
All can add seasoning or sour cream to the hummus and mix
It is best to give each person a small amount of hummus and let them add what Items you offer
This way you do not have to worry about infection control unless a resident take something from another persons dish
Help