“Eet Smakelijk”

The Dutch phrase, “Eet Smakelijk”, synonymous with ” Bon Appetit”, is one we often heard at different family gatherings. It usually brings a smile to our faces because of the last ” ckkk” sound often uttered within Dutch circles. I sometimes use the phrase at mealtimes as well.

Spending time in the dining room with my mother is a definite challenge as I spoon feed anything I think she might enjoy. ” What about ice cream? ” I ask with energy. “That’s enough, ” she usually answers, and pushes the food away. At a mere 71 pounds, it is essential that she eats so I persist and use my teacher voice. ” Mom, you need to eat” as I place the ice cream near her mouth. Amazingly, she listens.

Mom is placed at a certain table which could be named “The Resisters”. Two other patients and a nurse’s aide sit at the round table.The aide works diligently to help the patients eat the prepared food. The scene reminds me of times when I fed our toddler children, eyes focused on every swallow. The strangest sight is when my mother stares at the other patients and they stare back at her. What are they thinking?

The nurses are trying everything to encourage my mother to eat. Pancakes, cheeseburgers, ice cream are some of the choices. Come on, Mom! Eet Smakelijk! However, it is ultimately her decision to eat to aid her recovery process.

Waterford, the facility where my parents are heading on August 14, claims that “the resisters” start eating again because of their approach. But how will they do that?

According to their website, the facility offers brain- friendly meal choices. What does that include that will be different that what she currently receives? How will they encourage her to eat when she tells them ” You are being bossy” or “That’s enough” and pushes the food away?

I look forward to seeing this approach in action so we can say our Dutch phrase together.