Seniors with dementia need a lot of assistance, especially around mealtimes. Dementia can lead to reduced food and fluid intake because of decreased recognition of hunger and thirst, weakening perception of smell and taste, problems swallowing, inability to make out dining utensils, loss of physical control and depression. While your loved one may find eating meals difficult or confusing, the following tips may help you and your loved one have an easier experience.
Easier ways to serve healthy food for seniors with dementia
- If your loved one is using their hands to eat, try serving wrap-style meals (breakfast burritos are easy to manage, and tortillas can be substituted with lettuce for dinner wraps as well). These foods are usually softer and easier to manage.
- Most foods can become a finger food if approached the right way. Vietnamese rice paper can be used to package fresh vegetables and assorted proteins in a bundle that is easy to manage. Prepare macaroni and cheese a day in advance, refrigerate, and then cut into squares to serve. Ravioli and other stuffed pastas can be served warm with a cup of dipping sauce.
- Avoid gooey or messy foods, and cut food into small pieces if necessary.
Easier ways to make your loved one feel comfortable at mealtimes
- Use tablecloths and place mats in contrasting colors to help your loved one avoid confusion. Research from Boston University based on analyzing visual perceptual difficulties in the dementia and Alzheimer’s community has found that color contrast affects what gets eaten. The higher the contrast between the color of the food and the surrounding area, the higher the chance is of the food on their plate being eaten. Choose brightly colored foods and contrasting plates, bowls, etc. (Ex: cauliflower on a white plate is less likely to be eaten than carrots on a blue plate).
- The dining area should be quiet, soothing, and clean. Noise and clutter can distract individuals with dementia and make it difficult for them to finish meals.
- Use a warm, damp cloth to wipe your loved one’s hands. Not only does this help clean their hands, but it provides comfort as well.
- Be sure that your loved on is sitting correctly at the table.
- If your loved one has difficulty handling utensils, arthritissupplies.com has adaptive dining equipment with loops for fingers and thumbs.
What other issues may my loved one have while eating meals?
Many Alzheimer’s and dementia patients will lose interest in certain kinds of food, or the idea of eating altogether. Some individuals can’t remember what they do and don’t like, and some may forget the tastes or names of certain foods. Try to make healthy meals that you know your loved one has enjoyed in the past, and simply remind them that they like that particular food that was once familiar to them. When dining with an individual with Alzheimer’s, you may announce the meal by saying “It looks like we have one of your favorites today . . .” Some seniors with dementia may feel more comfortable if you enjoy the meal with them and take the lead.
How can Oxnard Family Circle help?
If you would like to speak to a social worker to see if our dementia care program is right for you please visit our enrollment page or contact us at 805-385-4180.
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