Safety and Dignity

I’ve had more than one person’s relative say to me that it was such a loss of dignity having a modified diet for their loved one. After my assessment, this particular lady’s diet had been modified to a soft and bite sized consistency and very mildly thickened liquid. Not much of a change from my perspective, but a significant one from the relative’s. I could understand where she was coming from.

I remember my own mother saying, when it had been suggested that we have a carer come into her home to ensure she was safe bathing and doing some small household chores for her, ‘This is the beginning of the end then, isn’t it.’

It all depends on your perception, doesn’t it. Both lifestyle changes of a modified diet and someone popping in to help out, do require adjustment to a well-set routine. Both, as well, are put in place to ensure the absolute safety of the loved one or resident and my own mother some years ago.

Mum and I talked about that and she understood her dignity was not at stake, her safety was. She would rather some external help than to be in a position that endangered her. A bit of help meant we three daughters would know she was ok and all four of us could enjoy one another’s company a lot longer. And that we did.

The resident’s daughter and I asked her mother how she felt about the change to her diet. ‘Oh,’ she said, ‘I feel far more confident eating and drinking now, it all goes down much more easily.’

It felt good knowing she was relieved there was something that could help her. Understanding swallowing difficulties means they can eat safely and takes the pressure of you, as a carer for an ageing resident or someone with a disability. 

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