Tool Kit. Strategies to facilitate eating and swallowing in people living with early-stage dementia

63 Appendix 3: Modifications to Foods Below are examples of food modifications that health professionals may recommend concerning the volume and consistency of food. Volume Examples Large Volume Bite: Soup spoon Liquid: Full glass of beverage Food: Full plate serving Medium volume Bite: Teaspoon Liquid: Half a glass of beverage Food: Portion of food reduced to half the plate size Small Volume Bite: Coffee spoon Liquid: Small glass (with a straw) Food: Portion of food reduced to a third or less of the plate Consistency Description Example Solid Hard, generally dry food. Requires strong and coordinated swallowing muscles, efficient chewing, and adequate salivation to form a cohesive bolus. Grilled meat with vegetables and rice. Soft Solid Requires less time and effort to chew. The food bolus feels more cohesive and unified in the mouth. Grilled chicken with boiled potatoes, cut into pieces.