Serving Foods with Bones

Q:  I work at an assisted living community in the dietary department, and have been told that we are never to send food with bones to the Alzheimer’s wing.  Is it dangerous to feed a memory impaired patient food with bones in it (fried chicken or pork chop)?

A: The reason for not recommending bone-in foods for memory-impaired patients is probably the risk of a physical contaminant (small piece or sliver of bone) getting in the food.   This could be a choking hazard.  Also, a bone-in food is also more difficult to eat for such persons (maneuvering around the bone) rather than a boneless food which may easier to cut and eat, less frustrating, and therefore more satisfying for the patient.

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