People with dementia often need help with daily tasks and the amount of assistance they need will change over time. They may feel upset about losing their independence and be resistant to accepting help. However by involving them in the process, you can overcome some of these challenges.  Here are strategies to support you in providing the best care for your loved one.

Remember:

• Be patient and take your time.  Don’t rush your loved one to complete a task. 

• Try to maintain a routine so that it becomes familiar and comfortable for your loved one. However, recognize when it is not working and adapt the process. 

• Provide simple, step-by-step instructions so as not to overwhelm them with information, and provide reassurance throughout the process. 

• Encourage your loved one to do as much as possible and include them in the task. 

  • Try to move slowly and remain in your loved one’s field of vision.

  • Stand at eye level and make eye contact when speaking with them.

  • Engage your loved one and work the task into a conversation instead of saying it as a command.

  • Use gestures to accompany your words.

  • Respect your loved one’s opinions and desires. Don’t argue or talk down to them. 

• Create the right environment and plan your approach. Identify obstacles and health considerations

• If the person is upset or does not want your help, try again later as if it were the first time.

Maintain Routines

• What time is your loved one used to eating?

• Where do they usually eat each meal?

• What types of food and size of meals do they usually eat?

Be Flexible

• Note your loved one’s favorite and least favorite foods and adapt menus to their tastes.

• Remember that tastes can change and previously enjoyed foods may be rejected. 

• Your loved one may not remember when or if they ate. If they continue to ask about eating breakfast, consider serving several small “breakfasts” — juice, followed by toast, followed by cereal.

Plan and Prepare

• Prep simple meals and snacks ahead of time.

• If possible, have a few meal options ready. 

• Serve finger foods or bite-sized foods that are easy to pick up. Make a meal in the form of a sandwich.

• Check the temperature of foods and beverages.

Keep the Table Setting Simple but Inviting

• Avoid patterned plates, tablecloths and placemats.

• Use color to contrast plates against a tablecloth or placemat. 

• Provide only the utensils needed for the meal.

• Try adaptive dining utensils, such as bendable or easy-grip utensils,  plates with rims, or cups with lids.

• Set bowls and plates on a non-skid surface such as a cloth or towel. 

• Fill glasses half full and use bendable straws.

• Engage the senses by using spices or playing your loved one’s favorite music if it is not distracting.

• Consider using a plastic tablecloth, napkins or  aprons to make cleanup easier. 

Make Mealtimes Social

• Invite them to join you for the meal.  Don’t ask if they want to eat.

• Share meals together and be present during meal time. 

• Engage in friendly conversation. 

• Limit distractions. Serve meals in quiet surroundings, away from the television.

Provide Assistance

• Describe the food items and comment on their appearance, aroma, and taste.

• Offer one food item at a time and serve only one or two items at a time. 

• Allow plenty of time to eat. 

• Try hand-over-hand feeding by placing your hand around theirs and lifting both of your hands to their mouth.

• If food is refused at first, try again in a few minutes as if it is the first offer.