Dementia care: Encouraging healthy meals

Meeting the nutritional needs of a person with dementia can be problematic and place extra strain on a carer.

Dementia and meal times

Eating a healthy diet is essential to avoid the many problems caused by poor nutrition. People with dementia can experience problems with chewing and swallowing, difficulty sitting still for long enough periods or disinterest in food.

Some people with late stage dementia refuse to be fed or take considerable time to feed due to agitated behaviours.

Meal times should be relaxing and enjoyable. Always allow plenty of time for meals. Socialising at meal times and sitting at a table with family members can encourage good appetite by giving people with dementia visual cues.

Home care aids and assistive devices can help with eating and drinking. Special cutlery, plate guards, two-handled mugs and non-slip plates all help promote independence. 

Tips for healthy eating

•  Ensure the person is sitting comfortably in upright position in a quiet environment (turn off the TV)
   
•  Cut food up into small pieces or serve soft cooked foods that are easy to eat
   
•  Do not include too much choice on a plate
   
•  Do not display too many serves at once, place aside desert
   
•  Serve main meal when person is most awake e.g lunch
   
•  Offer familiar and favourite foods
   
•  Finger food may be easier for a person with decreased co-ordination or difficulty sitting still
   
•  For dry mouth include sauces and gravies with meals
   
•  Ensure drinks are not too hot
   
•  Modify texture of food, mashed, soft or puree for a person with difficulty chewing (see a speech pathologist for advice)
   
•  Place drinks about the house, try different cups, bottles, straws to encourage adequate fluids and prompt a person to drink
   
•  If a person is reluctant to drink try giving jelly or broth throughout the day
•  Consider the use of plate guards to avoid food spilling over side of plate
   
•  Two handled mugs, cups with spouts and special non-spill drinking bottles can encourage independence with fluids and prevent spills

Caution

Anyone with difficulty chewing or swallowing should be seen by a speech pathologist. People who experience problems with swallowing their food are at risk of aspiration (food going into the lungs). 

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