Tips to Make Eating Meals Easier for People with Dementia

Alzheimer’s and other diseases that cause dementia affect memory, judgment, reasoning, etc. such that performing simple daily tasks become increasingly difficult. This cognitive impairment makes simple tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, etc. hard to perform without help. Professional & family caregivers must show a lot of patience while dealing with the people suffering from dementia. Making small adjustments while helping with activities of daily living (ADL) could make the entire process much easier and effective.

As the cognitive abilities diminish, concentrating on a particular event becomes progressively harder. Hence, it's better to keep the place uncluttered such that there are no distractions that can confuse or make the care recipient anxious (shining objects, devices producing a lot of noise, etc.). Therefore, ensure that while your loved one is eating, there are no distractions around so that they can focus on food. Try to put only essentials on the table and remove unnecessary objects that could muddle their thinking process. Visual-spatial impairment is an effect of dementia that make it tough for people with dementia to segregate things in space. This makes it difficult to distinguish food from the plate or from the placemat. Avoid using colored plates for serving and stick with plain whites.

Always check that served food is not too hot because the care recipient might not remember to do so. It's also quite effective to eat with them as they will be able to see how you're eating and imitate you. Keep reminding them to chew their food and let them eat at their own pace. Serve one type of food at a time so as to avoid confusion and break big pieces into smaller bites to make it easier for the care recipient to eat them. It's quite common for people with dementia to forget that they have just eaten and can again ask for a meal. In such scenarios, consider giving a small meal at a time and keep on serving such meals after definite intervals.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s care through specially trained caregivers can make life easier for family caregivers and required help with ADLs could be provided. Other than maintaining a safe environment for the care recipient, help with ADLs such as bathing, grooming, maintaining hygiene, mobility assistance, transferring & positioning, toilet assistance, incontinence care, etc. is also provided. Comfort Keepers provides quality dementia and Alzheimer’s care in Ridgefield Park, Carlstadt, Moonachie, and other parts of New Jersey.

Our professional & well-trained Comfort Keepers will ensure round-the-clock care for your loved one. Visit here and find best Live-In Home Care by Comfort Keepers in Montclair & Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey and the Surrounding Areas.

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