Tips for Dining with Dementia As dementia progresses, declining cognitive abilities make it difficult for a person to perform everyday tasks, such as eating. Not only do these issues make for a difficult time at the dinner table, but eating problems can limit a person’s nutritional intake and overall health. To help your loved one get the most pleasure and benefit out of mealtimes, you should keep in mind any changes in appetite, declining skills and trouble with chewing or swallowing. Tips on Increasing Your Loved One’s Appetite

• Boost flavor with spices – Your loved one’s sensory changes may make food taste or smell differently or not at all. Increasing flavor can make eating more enjoyable.

• Be aware of changing food preferences – Understand that they might reject foods they used to enjoy or like eating different foods than they did in the past.

• Encourage exercise – Your loved one’s appetite might decrease if they lack enough physical activity to burn calories. Find simple ways to exercise, such as walking or gardening.

• Monitor medication changes – New medications or dosages could affect your loved one’s appetite. Talk with their doctor if you notice a change.

• Pay attention to dental care – Your loved one may not be able to communicate if their dentures fit poorly or if they have a toothache that makes it painful to chew.

How to Modify the Table for Decreasing Skills

• Serve small, frequent meals – Your loved one might not remember eating throughout the day. To avoid confusion or frustration, serve smaller meals, one food at a time (e.g., toast, then coffee, then some fruit and oatmeal).

• Adapt to their abilities – Make eating easier by switching out dishes and utensils. For example, serve food in a bowl rather than on a plate, or give them a large spoon instead of a fork.

• Utilize contrast – Declining visual and spatial abilities might make it hard to distinguish food from the plate and cause frustration. Use plain white dishes and avoid patterned table linens.

• Check the temperature – Your loved one may not be able to tell if their food is too hot or too cold. Always check the temperature before they eat to avoid discomfort or burns.

 

Making Food Easier to Chew and Swallow

• Prepare meals with swallowing in mind – Mince, dice or chop foods to make them easier to swallow. If your loved one has severe difficulties or dysphagia, it might be necessary to purée foods or serve only soft options.

• Serve finger foods – Serve bite-sized options that are easy to pick up and eat. Orange slices, chicken nuggets and steamed broccoli are good choices.

• Keep beverages nearby – Provide a drink after each bite to assist with safe swallowing.

• Watch for signs of choking – Encourage your loved one to sit up straight while eating. Afterwards, check their mouth for remaining food.

Everyone with dementia experiences symptoms differently. Try different options and be creative to find the methods that work best for your loved one’s nutritional health, safety and enjoyment. The Art of Living At Tuscan Gardens® of Venetia Bay, we’ve mastered the art of living. We’ve perfected the balance of personalized support and an uplifting lifestyle, helping our residents experience independence, joy and meaning every day. Offering supportive independent living, assisted living and memory care services for families in Venice, Florida, Tuscan Gardens of Venetia Bay was founded with one simple, yet profound goal – to create a community worthy of our parents. In all we do, we are guided by the principles of family, culture and engagement, working to represent the remarkable way of life our families deserve. The essence of our community is made up not only of mere aesthetics, but an artfully designed lifestyle to bring out the best of what each day has to offer. From dedicated care that respects residents’ individuality and dignity to a lifestyle that nurtures their love of life, Tuscan Gardens was built to be more than just a residence, but a place to call home. To learn more about our comfortable, elegant community, contact us today!