The soft general diet while on the surface may seem a bit strange or even unappetizing at times, but in reality it opens the door for so many patients. A mechanically soft diet is a transitioning diet that helps to bridge the gap for patients who may have been on feeding tubes or liquid diets. It helps patients who suffer from long term illness, surgical recovery, or general weakness. It is helping restore normality to a patient at Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Institute. This patient suffered from a recent stroke with right-sided hemiparesis and post colon perforation. At 81 years old this man had a lot to undergo. His health history included aortic stenosis, aphasia, dysphasia, ischemic colon, and intraabdominal abscess. Stroke patients are often put on mechanically soft or soft diets, the reason being dysphasia can make chewing, swallowing, and eating somewhat dangerous if not approached properly. …show more content…
Recovering from his stroke he was at risk for choking. He also had a history of gastrointestinal problems that lead to inflammation of his colon. A mechanically soft diet will allow him to experience taste and the pleasure and comfort that food gives without being a danger to his health. I believe it will help to prevent anorexia and malnutrition. A teaching plan for this patient requires collaboration on many levels. He is not feeding himself so it is important that the staff be taught and have good understanding of what a mechanical soft diet is and why it is so critical for him. His wife, who has faithfully not left his side, must also be including in teaching plan about his diet. Food is something that brings us comfort and many people use it as way to show support and love. It is important that his wife understands why his diet is the way that its, how she can be a part of it, and other ways she can show love without using food as a