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Meals distributed in shelters are sometimes inappropriate for the elderly who may have lost their dentures and have difficulty chewing. Therefore, the elderly are at risk of developing malnutrition or gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. Support is necessary to ensure suitable meals are provided for the elderly.
The following are examples of meals distributed in Japan that elderly evacuees may have problems eating:
| * |
Chilled packed lunches that may cause diarrhea |
Assessment
| 1. |
Food intake, nutritional state |
| 2. |
Eating/swallowing ability including use of dentures |
| 3. |
Toileting state, gastrointestinal symptoms |
Coping methods
| 1. |
Ensure that distributed food can be readily eaten/swallowed, for example soften certain foods and include soups |
| 2. |
Providing high-calorie foods when the risk of malnutrition is high |
| 3. |
In elderly with malnutrition, determine whether admission to a hospital or institution is necessary |
| 4. |
Elderly with diarrhea should be given priority in the distribution of warmth-retaining items such as floor mats, blankets, foot warmers |
| 5. |
Request a consultation with a dentist for elderly with eating problems due to dentures or tooth defects |
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Foods
