Mealtime Safety: Safe Eating and Drinking Tips for People with Dementia

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 tips for safe eating and drinking, as well as a list of foods that most commonly cause choking.

Safe Eating and Drinking Tips

Positioning

• Sit upright in a chair and close to the table

• Place hips back and center weight

• Use a chair with arm rests for additional support

• Position should be comfortable

Safe Portions

• Cut food to bite-sized pieces

• Present bite-sized or half-cup portions and quickly refill plate as needed

• Modify the size or texture by mashing, shredding, blending, or pureeing

• Keep food moist by using sauces or cooking with a liquid

Right Temperatures

• Make sure that food is cool enough to be picked up with one’s hands

• Prepare liquids at room temperature to prevent choking

Other Safety Tips

• Check that your loved one sees the food before feeding them

• Be aware that styrofoam and small inedible items may be tempting

• Lock appliances as needed to prevent accidents

12 Most Common Choking Foods

• Hot Dogs

• Corn

• Grapes

• Nuts

• Crackers

• Hard Candy

• Meatballs

• Meat with Bones

• Short Noodles

• Starchy Pasta

• Soft Bread

• Sticky Foods (i.e., Peanut Butter)

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.