Helping Loved Ones with Dementia: How to Encourage Proper Eating and Drinking
By Fiona Sembiring | November 29, 2023
Dementia is often confused for a disease, but it is actually a term used for the collection of abnormal symptoms that affect a person’s thinking, functioning, and interaction with others. People with dementia may be irritated or annoyed by new things, can have trouble remembering, have trouble focusing, and have difficulty using proper judgment. Although dementia is not a disease, dementia can be brought on by a disease or medical condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, multiple strokes, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Although people with dementia do not require a special type of diet, the focus of healthy eating should be an appropriate amount of nutrition from each of the major food groups: half of what is eaten should be fruits and vegetables, a quarter should be grains, and the remaining quarter should be protein and dairy. Try to limit fats to healthy souces and salt by seasoning with different spices. You can help take care of your loved ones with dementia by creating a well-balanced meal plan with a variety of healthy foods.
With dementia, the goal of a meal plan is to balance safety and independence. Learn to balance what your loved one wants to eat with what is good for the body. Mealtime can be difficult for family members, so we’ve provided some possible reasons that may be preventing your loved one from gaining the proper nutrition, as well as tips to encourage eating and drinking.
3 Possible Reasons Why a Loved One Might Not Want to Eat or Drink
Loneliness and sadness caused by relationship changes
Sit with your loved one during mealtime to encourage them.
Poorly fitting dentures, missing or broken teeth, and mouth sores
Visit the dentist regularly and check to make sure that the dentures are put in correctly.
A lack of physical activity or exercise
Stimulate an appetite by encouraging physical activity like taking a walk, helping with a chore, or doing a personal care task on their own.
Tips to Encourage Eating
Demonstrating
How to pick up a utensil and bring it to the mouth
Chewing and swallowing
Using Adaptive Equipment
Utensils with large, textured handles
Plates and bowls with sloped sides
The color red can stimulate appetite in people with dementia
Plates and bowls that are a different color than the table or placemat for greater visibility
Avoid distracting patterns
Keeping Mealtime Simple
Serve familiar foods
Only put out items that are needed
No extra utensils, napkins, seasonings or sauces, or distracting decorations
Use smaller plates and bowls
Serve smaller portions five times a day
Rotating
Serve one food at a time
Turn the plate so all food is in the line of vision
Understanding
Eating time may be longer
Silverware may be confusing
Evenings may be more distracting due to changes in light and noise
Tips to Encourage Drinking
Provide healthy drink options like water, milk, and 100% fruit juice
Increase fluid intake from other sources like fruits, veggies, smoothies, and soups
Use the pattern of five bites of food followed by one drink
Refill a small cup multiple times instead of serving a large glass at once
Practice the behavior of drinking a cup of water after every activity
Try a bendable straw or cup with a nose cut-out for ease
Avoid high sugar beverages with empty calories
Limit caffeine that can interfere with sleep patterns
At Samaritan Senior Care, we believe in providing transparent and personalized support to help you navigate the difficulties of dementia. Our dedicated team is committed to assisting you every step of the way, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the necessary standard and quality of care involved.
For more information and personalized guidance on in-home care services, reach out to Samaritan Senior Care today. Our experts are here to address your concerns and provide you with the necessary information to make well-informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of your loved ones.
All content and information on our website is created for informational purposes only. The information presented does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult an appropriate professional for advice related to your specific situation.
