‘Picture’ menus improve nutrition

An idea to help elderly and dementia patients choose their meals while in hospital is being rolled out in the UK.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has launched an innovative new picture food menu – believed to be the first of its kind in England – which allows patients to choose their meals from pictures rather than written menus.

Officials believe the scheme will help to improve hydration, nutrition and aid patients’ recovery.

The idea originated from catering superintendent Michael Taylor who, together with nutrition nurse specialist, Allison Baxter, acted on feedback from ward managers that many elderly and dementia patients would simply order whatever food was last on the menu as they often found it difficult to remember other options and express their preferences.

A trial of the picture menu on three wards last year showed an increase in the amount of food being eaten by vulnerable elderly patients and ultimately helped to improve nutrition and the healing process.

The menus include both summer and winter choices to ensure patients receive the right nutrition during their stay in hospital.

Mr Taylor said: “NHS guidelines advise us to offer patients nutritional support in the safest and simplest way – and that’s exactly what we did.

“The book features large pictures of the food on offer which helps patients to choose the food they prefer more easily and the staff believe it is also helping to stimulate patients’ appetites.”

Ms Baxter added: “We all know ensuring patients receive adequate nutrition is an essential part of basic patient care and, by doing this well, it can make a real difference.

“Most of our patients are elderly and have conditions that are physical or cognitive – or both, so anything that helps them to eat well and choose the food they like and enjoy is worth trying.”

Have you seen a ‘picture food menu’?