Modified Texture Diet, What it is and the benefits?
A ‘modified texture diet’ is required by many of our customers for many different reasons.
Residents in care homes and young people in special schools have very different requirements for the type of dishes they want to eat, but that their condition allows them to. We therefore need to be imaginative and flexible with the choices available at mealtimes so that they have a good choice of tasty, well presented, nutritious meals.
What is a Modified Texture Diet?
Texture modification is when food is mashed or pureed to a certain level in order to make it safer to eat. When people have problems with swallowing, or controlling food within their mouth, they may require a modified texture diet to reduce the risk of choking or aspiration (food or fluid going into the airway).
This type of diet and food preparation is most commonly needed by those who have suffered strokes, have progressive neurological disorders( e.g. Parkinson’s disease), learning disabilities and the elderly. However this is not exclusive, and those who have suffered injury to the head and neck, for example, may also require such a diet.
It is vital no matter the person’s condition that they continue to receive nutrients in the most appealing way possible, which is one of Cedar Revive’s primary goals.
Texture Guidelines
The guidelines for the different levels of texture modification changed in the last few years to the IDDSI framework. This has made producing the meals a lot simpler by ensuring there are easy to use tests to check the food is in the correct consistency.
The framework has 8 levels from level 0 – thin liquid to level 7 – regular food. These can be seen in the following image.
There are many different considerations that need to be thought through to ensure that the texture modified meal is appetising and appealing, and ultimately the full portions are eaten to promote health and wellbeing.
Stay tuned to our social media channels over the coming weeks where we will be diving deeper into this subject and providing practical advice for care homes, schools and families at home.
To find out more or find out how Cedar Revive could support your organisation, arrange a chat with a member of our experienced team today – Contact Us.
