More than 6 million Americans have swallowing difficulties, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and are diagnosed with dysphagia, a swallowing disorder. Pinnacle Dietary’s Puree Appeal foods do not require chewing.
This is a condition that is common within the long-term care population. Dysphagia diagnosis often requires individuals to alter the texture of their diets allowing them to swallow food safely.
The purpose of a pureed diet is to minimize aspiration of food into the airway. This will help prevent complications such as choking, pulmonary problems and aspiration pneumonia, a dangerous lung infection that can lead to death. A pureed diet consists of foods with a smooth pudding-like consistency, without chunks or different textures. This diet does not require chewing.
This program takes the portioned puree food servings and molds them into the shape of the foods that they are supposed to resemble.
Using handmade molds and pastry chef techniques all pureed meals are made fresh on site same day of service. There is a better presentation of the puree meal as well as a greater variety of foods to offer. Puree Appeal improves the puree residents overall dining experience.
To read more about Pinnacle Dietary’s Puree Appeal, click here.