For those with dementia, eating regular, nutritious meals might be difficult. They may become overwhelmed by the abundance of food options, forget to eat, or believe they have eaten already. In order to keep the body robust and healthy, it is necessary to maintain sufficient nutrition. Consider the following food suggestions about healthy eating for dementia.
Reduce Eating And Nutritional Issues
Swallowing problems in the late and middle stages of dementia can lead to choking and weight loss. Keep these safety precautions in mind:
- Prepare foods in such a way that they are easy to chew and swallow. Meals can be ground, sliced into bite-size pieces, or served as soft foods like cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, or applesauce.
- Be on the lookout for signs of choking. Raw carrots, for example, should be avoided since they are difficult to chew fully. Encourage the client to sit up straight and slightly forward with his or her head. Adjust the person’s head to a forward posture if it is tilted backward. Check the person’s mouth at the end of the meal to ensure that all food has been swallowed. In case of an emergency, learn how to do the Heimlich technique.
- Address a loss of appetite. If the person’s appetite has waned, make some of her or his favorite foods. Consider boosting the person’s physical activity or preparing several, little meals as opposed to three, large ones.
Encourage Self-Reliance
Allow the person with dementia to be as autonomous as possible during meals while they are in the middle stages of dementia. When assistance is required, be ready to assist:
- Take advantage of the individual’s skills. To make dining easier, modify the serving plates and utensils. Instead of serving food on a plate, consider using a bowl or a plate with protective edges or rims. A spoon with a large handle may be simpler to handle than a fork, or the person may be able to use her or his hands if that is more convenient.
- Place finger foods on the table. Chicken nuggets, salmon sticks, orange segments, tuna sandwiches, cauliflower pieces, or steamed broccoli are all good examples of bite-sized foods that are easy to pick up. Alternatively, construct a sandwich-style lunch that enables the person to serve himself.
- Feeding by hand is a good option. Put a utensil in the person’s hand, wrap your hand around theirs, and lift both of your hands to the person’s mouth for a bite to demonstrate eating behavior.
- Don’t be concerned with neatness. Allow the person to feed himself as much as possible. Place plates and bowls on a non-slip surface, such as a towel or a cloth. To avoid spilling, use mugs and cups with lids. Use bendable straws and half-filled glasses.
Live Smart And Eat Healthy With TerraBella Newton
Dementia patients do not require a particular diet. Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet is vital for overall health.
TerraBella Newton is an assisted living community set in a beautiful location in the North Carolina foothills. Through a tailored blend of independent and supervised care, our team of professional lifestyle counselors ensures that residents’ requirements are always addressed. Please contact us right away to schedule a complimentary tour!
