Alzheimer's and dementia care: Making mealtimes easier

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Try large-handled utensils Consider underlying conditions Acknowledge declining skills and senses Expect agitation and distraction Maintain familiar routines Get visual Use easy-to-handle utensils Offer foods one at a time Take your time Sneak in extra nutrition Content Causes of poor nutrition Support for people with early-stage dementia Mealtime support Foods to avoid Professional support

Change can be difficult for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Maintaining familiar routines can make mealtimes easier. Try to:

View mealtimes as opportunities for social interaction. A warm and happy tone of voice can set the mood.
Respect personal, cultural and religious food preferences, such as eating tortillas instead of bread, or avoiding pork.
If your loved one has always eaten meals at specific times, continue to serve meals at those times.
Serve meals in a consistent, familiar place and way whenever possible.