For those with Alzheimer’s and their caretakers, meals may be difficult. Maintaining traditions and presenting preferred meals might make someone feel more at ease by letting them know what to anticipate. Read on to discover three ways a Bexar County, TX memory care community may facilitate mealtimes.
Helping with Appetite
There are several things the caregiver can examine and things they may attempt to assist improve the appetite if your loved one is experiencing a decline in it.
Do they need a dental appointment? They could be experiencing dental discomfort and denture problems but haven’t been able to tell you about it. Our team members will help to take care of this health concern.
Maintaining a healthy appetite will be aided by daily exercise. This may be done regularly as part of a brisk 10-minute walk or other enjoyable physical exercise. Our memory care program also includes engaging your loved one with fitness and wellness activities.
Keeping Things Simple
You will need to make things short and simple for people with dementia so that mealtimes are simpler and more relaxing for them. People with dementia often struggle to cope with distractions or things that confuse them.
Distractions should be avoided at the dinner table; a crowded table and non-eating-related things may upset guests.
Contrast the plate with the meal by using plain plates rather than ones with designs. It might be difficult for someone with dementia to discern between the two when white food, such as mashed potatoes or cauliflower, is served on a white plate.
Our memory care community provides your loved one with simple cuisine with few alternatives. You can try to keep them engaged in choosing their own meals, but avoid giving them too many options as this may lead to confusion and annoyance.
Types of Meals to Help
Softer meals may ease the difficulty that someone with dementia may have swallowing. They may find it much simpler to consume things like spaghetti or mashed potatoes.
The caregiver can prepare a simple dinner that is smaller and may be consumed more quickly with bite-sized portions if they are extremely exhausted.
Have some snacks on hand for your loved one in case they wake up in the middle of the night hungry. If they have forgotten that they have already eaten, this may also be helpful.
If someone is having problems using silverware at mealtimes, finger foods might assist.
It can be necessary to encourage your loved one to begin eating by gently guiding their hand on the utensil. Additionally, you will need to remind them to drink frequently since they can forget to do so on their own.
Exclusive Memory Care Program with Discovery Village At Dominion
We hope that by providing you with some suggestions for facilitating mealtimes for a loved one who has dementia, it will enable you as the caregiver to feel less stressed. If you are looking for a Memory Care community in Bexar County, TX, look no further than our retirement community. Our SHINE® Memory Care program’s goal is to assist our residents in recovering and preserving the belongings that their sickness has taken from them. You can relax knowing that your loved ones are getting the best care imaginable, including individualized care and scrumptious gourmet meals.
To learn more about our Memory Care community, contact us today!
