Articles
Alzheimer's and dementia care: Making mealtimes easier
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
Support for people with early-stage dementia
If the person with dementia lives alone or doesn't need constant care, you can take steps to promote good nutrition:
- Call with reminders to eat at mealtimes.
- Help with shopping to stock the kitchen with healthy, easy-to-prepare food items.
- Make meals in advance and demonstrate how to prepare or heat the meals.
- Use meal delivery services, meals at adult community centers or other services that provide meals to older adults.