Mealtimes are one of the most frequent sources of stress for family members caring for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. As the illness progresses, seniors may experience eating issues, including forgetting to eat, becoming disinterested in food, or having trouble using silverware. Those family members—with the help of Alzheimer’s care—can, however, make some deliberate changes to make meals a more calm and pleasurable experience.

Create a Relaxing Environment

The environment in which seniors eat meals plays a key role in the overall experience. Consider the atmosphere in a loud, bustling restaurant compared to one that is more calm. Even in “normal” situations, there is a different vibe.

Now, consider how seniors with Alzheimer’s must feel in the first situation compared to the second. With this in mind, it’s easy to see that the environment in which seniors eat their meals is vital.

A few tips to incorporate for a more calm setting include the following:

• Reduce Noise: Turn off the radio, TV, and any other loud equipment that could be confusing or unsettling.
• Simplify the Table: To reduce visual confusion, use plain tablecloths and dinnerware without any patterns. Also, keep the number of items on the table to a minimum.
• Consider Comfort: To prevent physical discomfort, make sure the table and chair are at the proper height. Also, be mindful of the glare from windows and other issues that might make the setting uncomfortable.

Establish a Routine

Routines help seniors with Alzheimer’s disease feel less anxious and confused. Part of proper Alzheimer’s care is to establish these routines so that seniors know what to expect. A few ways to do this when considering mealtimes are as follows:

• Serve Meals Consistently: It’s important to serve meals at the same time every day. Seniors with Alzheimer’s can benefit from consistency in knowing what to expect and when.
• Stick with Familiar Foods: While it’s okay to try new foods every once in a while, sticking to foods seniors are familiar with will make mealtimes more calming for them.

Focus on Basic, Healthy Foods

Seniors with Alzheimer’s may find it difficult to handle complicated foods, so focusing on more basic foods is important to minimize frustration. For instance, loved ones might choose foods that are simple to prepare and don’t require much cutting or modifying. For example, finger meals can be less intimidating, such as cheese cubes, sandwiches, and chopped fruit.

However, don’t forget about the healthy side of this tip. Foods should also satisfy seniors’ nutritional needs by being well-balanced and including a range of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains.

Promote Independence

Even as the disease progresses and independence doesn’t seem like it should be a focus, it’s still important to encourage self-sufficiency during mealtimes. As mentioned above, finger foods are a great go-to as they don’t require utensils and allow seniors to feed themselves.

Recognize Eating Challenges

Alzheimer’s disease can impact a person’s perception of food and eating, which brings about certain challenges. Understanding these challenges will make mealtimes less stressful. It’s a good idea for Alzheimer’s care providers and loved ones to watch for swallowing issues or dysphagia. When this condition occurs, it’s important to talk with the medical team about changes that need to be made when preparing and serving food.

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease don’t have to endure a difficult mealtime routine. With the help of Alzheimer’s care providers and loved ones, a calm and peaceful setting can be established.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Alzheimer’s Care in Walnut Creek, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.

Call (866)-940-4855

Sources:

• https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/food-eating
• https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-caregiving/six-tips-make-mealtimes-easier-people-alzheimers-disease
• https://dakotahomecare.com/eating-and-nutrition-difficulties-with-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

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andy@hcprosonline.com

CEO at HomeCare Professionals

Andy Howardis a Bay Area Native who holds a BA in Political Science (University of Colorado at Boulder, ’97). After college Andy worked in the surging tech industry.His Grandmother however, would suffer a significant decline in health and ultimately needed in-home care. The experience of a loved one depending on outside help to age in place proved to be pivotal for Andy as he left the tech industry in 2002 for an opportunity in the home care world with a large provider. After having success in home care, but being frustrated by corporate constraints Andy founded HomeCare Professionals in 2005.He methodically built the company one client at a time by focusing on hiring quality caregivers to ensure positive outcomes. Currently Andy serves as the CEO of HomeCare Professionals and is also highly active in the non-profit organization California Association of Health Services at Home (CAHSAH) which advocates for a higher standard of in-home care for those who wish to remain living at home in California.

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