Dear Editor,
I have learned that seniors living in long-term care homes will be served meals at regular times each day, which is considered good to build up healthy eating habits.
However, I just do not understand why there are only 15 minutes or so for each meal.
It is definitely a disadvantage for a slow eater, particularly for those who have fewer teeth and weakened chewing power.
Is it just for convenience’s sake to rush through the meals when seniors dwindle the whole day doing almost nothing?
Can mealtime be extended to accommodate seniors, just like when they walk slowly, people will not push them around?
Finally, I remember having a friend living in a senior home who was not eating well.
Staff would not force him to eat, just took away the food when mealtime was up, so he got thinner and thinner. He died eventually.
Just hope that seniors have sufficient time to eat and enjoy their meals.
Albert Tsui
Richmond
