Benetas clients ‘happy eaters’

Victoria’s not-for-profit aged care service provider, Benetas, is hoping to make their clients into ‘happy eaters’.

Lynne Centner of Benetas addressed delegates at Aged & Community Services Australia’s National Community Care Conference last week to speak about the ‘Happy Eating Project’.

Funded by the federal government’s Dementia Community Grants Program, the project is targeted at Greek, Italian and Macedonian speaking clients with moderate dementia to help improve the meal time experience.

Ms Centner told DPS News of Benetas’ strategies to adapt to the changing nature of the dementia process and managing the challenges with mealtimes.

As the number of people with dementia, who are being care for at home rises, several areas of concern are becoming evident.

Meal times, including eating and nutrition are reportedly identified as areas of concern for families, carers and health professionals. There is also evidence, according to Ms Centner, the culturally, linguistically and diverse (CALD) communities may have “limited understanding” of dementia and the barriers to accessing dementia services.

A comprehensive assessment tool was developed, which included clinical assessment to rule out medical reasons for reduced function, a functional and cognitive assessment (related to meal times and associated activities), as well as an assessment of the client and the family’s understanding and acceptance of the diagnosis of dementia.

Following the assessment, clients, carers and families were provided with an information kit containing meal time strategies, as well as fact sheets selected according to the family’s needs and understanding of dementia.

A personalised and tailored approach to each client, Ms Centner said the information and strategies highlighted in the fact sheets and information kit varied.

“There are education tips about undereating, overeating, refusing to eat and also information on preparing basic meals,” she said.

Clients and carers have both reportedly benefited from the Happy Eating Project as it also delves into managing personal care and the journey of dementia.

“Many family members had so little knowledge of the dementia process. This project really slowed carer stress, reducing it dramatically,” she said.

The benefits of the Happy Eating Project have now led to Benetas’ Memory Loss and Dementia Service, to be launched at the beginning of July.

“This project will address planning and education of living in the community and we will see and assess our clients in their own homes, helping them to go forward with future planning and educating themselves about the next step.

“No project sits on the shelf… there’s always something we can do with it,” she said.