Tips for Successful Eating for those with Memory Loss

Image Credit: Ryanhsuh31 via Creative Commons (Flickr)

[ABSTRACT]

Many people associate mealtimes with good food and companionship. They can be highlights of the day, and serve to anchor our sense of daily rhythms. Given the importance of meals for health and social reasons, a person who cannot participate in meals can become disoriented, isolated and under nourished.

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, people with Alzheimer’s can struggle with utensils, take much longer to eat, and become easily distracted. Meals can turn into a challenge, and not a time to savor.

By making some relatively simple adjustments, caregivers can help their loved ones continue to successfully participate in the ritual of the meal. Here are some tips that White Oak has found to be helpful.

1. CREATE A PEACEFUL AND SIMPLE ENVIRONMENT.

Start with eliminating extraneous noises and objects. Turn off televisions and radios. Set a table without centerpieces that may be an “attractive nuisance.” Set the table with just the utensils that will be needed at that meal.

2. INCLUDE THE PERSON IN THE RITUALS LEADING UP TO THE MEAL

People with Alzheimer’s can have trouble relating to food that appears out of nowhere and without context, a problem in institutions that cook all the meals in a remote kitchen. Let the person know that a mealtime is coming up. If possible, have the person participate in the preparations for the meal, by setting the table, or watching and smelling the food as it cooks. Seeing the food being prepared, and feeling as though they are part of the activity, stimulates appetites and signals the body to prepare for eating.

To see the full list of tips see today’s blog at http://whiteoakcottages.com/tips-for-successful-eating/