3. Modified Diets

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There may be times when a resident’s physician has ordered a specific diet or meal plan for the resident to maintain.

Be sure to read carefully and follow the physician’s orders for each resident if they require a modified diet.

Examples of modified diets may include:

•    Sodium restrictions (e.g., no added salt).

•    Calorie controlled diets.

•    Diabetic diets (there are many variations, including limiting concentrated sweets and use of exchange lists).

•    Soft or mechanical soft diet (foods are soft or pureed to help with chewing and swallowing).

•    Thickened liquids (liquids are thickened to reduce the risk of aspiration).

•    Renal diet (for persons with kidney disease, usually includes limitations on sodium, fluids, potassium, protein, and other changes).

Do not attempt to provide a diet that you do not understand how to prepare. Mistakes in preparing modified diets can be dangerous. If you are unsure, ask the physician for clarification.