By Dr. Macie Smith, SYNERGY HomeCare Gerontologist
Dining with a loved one who has dementia can be both a challenge and an opportunity for connection. Here are a few tips you can use to create a dining environment that supports and comforts them.
1. Simplify the Meal Presentation: Serve one food item at a time or use sectioned plates to prevent overwhelming your loved one with piled up food. Also, remove patterned dishes to reduce anxiety and confusion.
2. Create Color Contrast: Use plates and utensils with contrasting colors to help with food recognition and decision-making. (For example: green beans on a white plate, mashed potatoes on a red plate).
3. Serve Familiar Foods: Offer dishes that your loved one has enjoyed in the past to evoke positive memories and encourage eating.
4. Avoid Serving Stringy or Sticky Foods. These can create swallowing concerns. In the event your loved one experiences any of the signs below during mealtimes, a swallow assessment is recommended to determine if meal changes are warranted (not an all-inclusive list):
• Choking
• Coughing
• Swallowing slowly
• Holding food in mouth
• Refusing to eat
6. Create a Comfortable Environment: Ensure the dining area is comfortable and decluttered, with appropriate lighting and temperature to minimize distractions.
7. Foster Social Engagement: Encourage social interaction during meals. As dining is a social activity, consider eating meals with your loved one to enhance the experience
By implementing these strategies, family caregivers can help their loved ones enjoy meals and maintain a sense of independence. Remember, patience and understanding are key.
When your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia, understanding the disease and identifying the right family caregiver resources can make a world of difference.
Rest assured, SYNERGY HomeCare is here to help you navigate uncharted waters and create peace of mind as you care for your loved one experiencing dementia or memory loss.
Click here to learn more about SYNERGY HomeCare’s Memory Care services or call 877-432-2692.
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SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or contact us to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.
Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, click here.
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