Food related activities are sensory activities to stimulate the senses of taste, smell and touch. The residents may be more open to eating and drinking in the social environment. Food and fun are a natural combination. The social worker is aware of mental health issues and family dynamics. This worker focuses on psycho-social issues of the resident and may be able to offer insight and suggestions to eating behaviors.
Social workers develop behavioral approaches to encourage food intake.
They can encourage the family to visit more often, if that is a concern. A favorite food from home can often work miracles. The pharmacist reviews medications for appropriateness. The pharmacist is able to suggest another drug if the current drug has undesirable side effects, while providing the same therapeutic action. Poor appetite, nausea, vomiting and stomach ache are frequent side effects of medication.