A Home Cooked Meal

Everyone loves a home cooked meal; many dishes are tied into our culture and are a big part of our growing up. For the many residents who have settled in Australia, moving away from their place of birth, food is the biggest connection to their homeland. I know that congee, a thick, Asian rice soup is often associated with convalescing, making the consumer feel instantly better.

It’s harder in the current environment for these foods to be allowed in out-of-home residences. Many residences however are working with families and speech pathologists to have modified, culturally appropriate foods that both bring back those memories and are safe for the resident. This is a great direction.

What’s vital for everyone concerned is that these home-cooked meals comply with the International Dysphagia Diet Standards. Eating or drinking consistencies that are not recommended by the speech pathologist can lead to choking and food or fluid going into the lungs instead of the stomach. Food or fluid there can cause infection and pneumonia and can, sadly lead to loss of life.

Education on these important issues is easily available to carers and family members. Take the Course