How to Feed a Paralyzed Person

One of the hardest things for a paralyzed person to do is get enough nutrition. Depending on the degree of paralysis, the person may have full mental abilities but be trapped in a body that has stopped responding. If you are a paralyzed person's caregiver, you may be wondering how to feed your patient.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine how paralyzed the person is. Find out if they can swallow on their own or have the use of the tongue. If not, the person may have a tube inserted into their stomach (or sometimes the small intestine), called a gastrostomy tube. Liquefied food is poured directly into the person's stomach where it is digested. Ask your patient's health care provider to show you how to use a gastrostomy tube and what kind of food to use, if needed.

• 2

  Find out if the person needs a special diet. If your patient can swallow, chew and move her tongue, chances are good she can have a regular, extremely healthy diet. Because she probably can't exercise, calories and nutrition are important.

• 3

  Soften food. Most of the time, feeding a paralyzed person requires softened food, such as baby food or food that's been cooked and mashed. You also may have to purchase premade food such as Ensure.

• 4

  Be patient. Feeding a paralyzed person takes time for both of you and may be messy. Chances are good that the paralyzed person would give anything not to need to be fed by you. Maintain eye contact, converse if you both feel like it and try to avoid any negative or hurtful comments.

• 5

  Speak to the paralyzed person's doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Don't be shy about asking questions you've already asked or asking for clarification, especially if you're the only care provider for this person.