For people living with dementia, mealtimes and dementia can present real challenges. Whether you are a family carer, a friend, or a care professional, supporting someone with dementia to eat and drink can be tough.
At Wisteria Care, we support people living with dementia on a daily basis and so our team knows the challenges Alzheimer’s and dementia can bring about. We offer dementia mealtime support from practical help to reassurance and encouragement.
This guide helps to explain dementia and eating difficulties, offering practical tips for supporting someone with dementia to eat.
Why do people with dementia struggle to eat?
People living with dementia often have trouble eating and drinking due to a combination of factors associated with the disease:
- Memory and recognition problems. In some cases, individuals living with dementia may not recognise food on a plate, forget that they’re hungry, or struggle to know how to start eating.
- Coordination and motor skills. Difficulty using cutlery or coordinating hand-to-mouth actions can make eating feel frustrating or embarrassing.
- Chewing and swallowing (Dysphagia). Problems chewing or swallowing can occur, especially during the later stages of dementia, increasing the risk of choking, weight loss, malnutrition and dehydration.
- Changes in taste and appetite. Dementia can change the way foods smell or taste, leading to a reduced appetite or sudden preferences for unusual combinations. Some people may even forget they have eaten before and snack excessively.
Together, these factors can make mealtimes overwhelming and uncomfortable for someone living with dementia, but there are ways of helping people with dementia eat and drink, so mealtimes are calm and enjoyable.
- Create a calm and familiar environment by keeping mealtimes quiet and free from distractions like TV or loud conversations.
- Familiar plates and routines can help the person feel more at ease.
- Observe food likes/dislikes because preferences can change over time, particularly as dementia progresses.
- Allow plenty of time to eat and encourage individuals at their own pace.
- Offer support and assistance, but also encourage the individual to do what they can themselves.
- Offer drinks regularly. People with dementia may not recognise thirst or communicate it clearly, so gentle reminders can help.
Mealtimes and dementia don’t have to be stressful or isolating. With patience, understanding, and practical adjustments, you can greatly improve the experience of eating and drinking with dementia.
When you are supporting someone with dementia to eat it’s important to remember that every person is unique. Although there is a lot of evidence-based research about dementia and eating difficulties, what works for one person may not work for another. It’s okay to experiment, observe responses, and seek support when needed.
At Wisteria Care we understand that someone affected by cognitive and mobility issues can experience profound distress. Our carers are skilled at calming agitation, sticking to routines that make the person feel comfortable in familiar surroundings, and providing in-home dementia mealtime support.
To find out how we can help you and your family with a loved one’s care journey, please contact us today.