Mealtimes

Eating regular nutritious meals can become a challenge for individuals with dementia. They may become overwhelmed, forget to eat or think they have already eaten. If your loved one is having difficulty eating, here are some quick tips and strategies:

• Be flexible to the person's food preferences - Remember that the person with dementia has long-standing personal preferences. Try to keep these likes and dislikes in mind when you?re preparing food.
• Serve meals in quiet surroundings - Away from the television and other distractions.
• Keep the table setting simple - Ensure dinnerware is free from design and of a neutral color that provides contrast with the tablecloth or placemat.
• Keep in mind that the person with dementia may not be hungry, or remember when or if he or she ate - Smells before mealtime such as bacon cooking, coffee percolating, or bread baking will help stimulate appetite. If the individual continues to ask about eating breakfast, you might consider serving it again for lunchtime.
• Provide an appropriate activity - If the person needs to wait while you are completing and serving the meal.
• Encourage independence - Serve finger foods, or serve the meal in the form of a sandwich. Use spoons with large handles instead of forks. Use cups or mugs with lids to prevent spilling, and fill glasses half full; use bendable straws.
• Let the person set the pace - Have a cup of coffee and keep conversation going to engage your loved one as much as possible.
• If you need to give hands-on assistance - Explain what you are doing and provide visual cues by demonstrating. Adjust your assistance level to the person?s independence and participation level.