This communication aid was designed to help the elderly and other handicapped patient (who suffers from visual or auditory impairment) to indicate his preferences in foods to others. Often he is unable to read the menu or to hear what is being said. Because mealtime may be the most important part of the day to him, the patient should be given the privilege of choice.

The patient may be slow to understand and slow to respond, thus he needs much reassurance. The social contact with whomever is helping him select his own menu can have great therapeutic value. Encouraging the person to choose his favorite foods reestablishes his self-esteem  and gives him some degree of independence. Recognition of religious and ethnic customs and taboos concerning foods is also significant.

HOW TO USE
Indicate the preferred foods by a check mark before the specific food. Heavy lines may be drawn through the foods not enjoyed or foods to be avoided. (Food models, such as those available from the National Dairy Council, provide additional visual reinforcement in the use of this communication aid.) The MENU BOOK may be used for referral in selecting or planning future meals.

Dietitians will find the MENU BOOK helpful in planning special diets. If the patient is on a special diet, such as allergy, bland, diabetic, low-cholesterol, low-fat, low-sodium, the dietitian may easily supplement the patient's preferences to achieve the desired special balanced diet.

Your suggestions and comments would be appreciated.

All Materials Copyright © 1979 Carol Niemi Green
Copyright © Transferred 1995 to Help Me to Help Myself Communications Aids,
Susan Green Scott, 6351 Daleview Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45247