development of individual sensory preferences
and how this influences the formation of
lifetime habits.
sensory preferences can be assessed within a
Dementia specific service and the potential this
has to inform a more person-centred care plan
and promotion of resident well-being.
Activity officer Wahroonga Day Centre
profit provider of Community Aged Care, in
April 2012 it was apparent that the clients who
attended the dementia specific day centre had
little interest in food and that more food went
into the bin than the clients stomachs. Helens
first goal was to see 90% of clients eat a meal.
with food had changed beyond recognition.
produce and has used her knowledge of the
properties of herbs and spices to stimulate
the appetite by enhancing familiar foods. She
has developed a talent for hiding sometimes
unfamiliar ingredients that are known to
improve taste, increase appetite or add
nutritional value and she has reinvented many
`old favourite' recipes to retain familiarity while
adding dietary value and interest. Colours,
shapes, portion sizes, even the serving
utensils have been considered in designing
an interactive food program. Client feedback
includes beaming smiles and empty plates and
all this has been achieved within a normal day
centre budget.
for quality food for everyone and share her
program that ensures positive nutritional
experiences for dementia clients. She
will include a short video which illustrates
the integration of the kitchen into the daily
activities and highlights an activity in which the
clients decorate "clock biscuits" stimulating
discussion about colours, the time, and
reminiscing about morning teas.
Northern New South Wales Local Health
District, Lismore, NSW
Anne Moehead
Northern New South Wales Local Health
District, Lismore, NSW
eLearning program aims to improve clinicians'
knowledge and understanding in supporting
people with dementia, and their carers. The
program promotes excellence in clinical service
and practice by providing Person-Centred Care
as the ethical framework, for staff working in
acute, community or residential care settings.
provide sustainable dementia education, as a
result Positive Approach to Care of the Older
Person: Dementia e-learning program was
developed.
South Wales Local Health District upgraded