Preparing for Mealtime of Persons with Dementia

In this module of Mealtime Assistance & Nutrition for Persons with Dementia, we provide an overview of the mealtime environment and food preparation & presentation tips.
Setting Up The Mealtime Environment: 0:20
Food Preparation & Presentation: 2:28
Tips for Mealtime Environment:
• Set seating to encourage engagement and socialization
• Play music at a volume that's in the background, not distracting
• Turn off televisions
• Remove unnecessary items from the table
• Cover up distracting table scratches
Tips For Food Preparation & Presentation:
• Learn food and beverage preferences and keep references on hand
• Encourage proper, safe engagement in the kitchen
• Use colorful plates
• Serve appropriate amount of food for the individual
• Non-disposable plates are recommended
• Avoid using garnishes on meal
• Cut up meat
• Try moistening chopped meats
• Try naturally pureed foods
• Try offering food in pre-formed shapes
• Try offering fruit milkshakes
• Create easy-to-eat sandwiches
• Serve soup in mugs for easy handling
• Allow the person eating to set the pace of the meal
• Offer a choice between two entrees
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[@user-ci5si8jz5h]

Very Helpful tips Thanks for Sharing

[@katamaran-1963]

To entice my elder patient to eat different foods, we look at cookbook recipes (with pictures). We read through the recipe to determine which elements are agreeable or not to them, then go to the next picture. This helps me to know what is/is not agreeable. Eating with the eyes is a stimulant, and getting to know what the elder prefers helps me to prepare an agreeable meal. I don't just want to make a meal, I want to make an enjoyable meal. While they eat, I keep them company. sometimes I eat my own food so we are eating together.

[@bernardwinn1817]

Oh my girlfriend who has STD dementia, is an assistant living home. Similar to the one I see on your video. She can’t really interact anymore, because she can’t talk. Or walk. She can say yeah I know, OK once in a while she can put three words together like she told me today. Oh hi sweetie. That made my day. She hasn’t said that to me in a while

[@melissaham3352]

Thank you so much for sharing these insights. What kind approaches to serving those struggling with this disease!

[@brittneylambert2261]

Thank you this is really insightful and very helpful to me as a caregiver to a loved one who is beginning to struggle at meal time.

[@salliehines8838]

This was helpful. Starting to help with my dad more at his home.

[@emileelloyd9588]

This is very interesting

[@eliabmungure3373]

this is very interesting

[@huiawalker203]

how wonderful

[@janetfishwick8887]

My 94 year old mother has stage 5 Alzheimers and has lived on her own for 32 years. Mother has carers twice a day,six days a week for medication,meals and light household tasks. She has no idea how to use her microwave oven or hob safely. Her oven and his have been disconnected because of this and her carer prepares her vegetables in the microwave. Mother's appetite has rapidly diminished over the past few months and she no longer eats a full meal. She snacks on biscuits and has half filled cups of tea. Mother will not consider ready meals or meals on wheels because she is stubborn and refuses to comply with assistance in any way, shape or form.

[@Avonmakeuplady101]

What do you do when a patient has had lap band surgery and has trouble eating? My grandmother has been diagnosed and had surgery a couple of years ago.. and thinks she can eat everything but she can't. Before diagnosis, she knew that she couldn't eat everything in sight but now w/ this fresh diagnosis (Nov) we're unsure how to handle the situation. All ideas will be helpful.

[@KougarManx468]

I whould rsther loose my eyesight than to loose my memmories .