The knees and ankles also need to be at 90-degree angles, with the feet supported squarely on the floor to maintain this position. Many problems that residents have with eating or drinking result from illness or weakness that cause poor sitting balance. A stroke is one example of an illness that often requires the caregiver to pay special attention to the resident's position. Mouth The mouth is the beginning of the gastrointestinal tract which is used for digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. In the mouth, glands produce saliva.
Saliva contains enzymes that begin the digestion process by moistening the food.
Chewing also breaks up solid food into smaller pieces. Loss of teeth, common among the elderly, limits dietary intake. The tongue contains taste buds. A variety of diseases and drugs can alter the sense of taste. The health of the mouth has a significant impact on the ability to eat.