Mealtime is an occasion to connect, stimulate the senses, and promote a feeling of routine and normalcy, in addition to providing physical nourishment for the body. Encouraging seniors with Alzheimer’s disease to look forward to meals is essential.
However, eating a meal can be difficult for them because the disease can alter mood, behavior, and memory. The good news is that loved ones can count on support and tips from Alzheimer’s home care to help make mealtime a better experience for seniors.
Establish a Relaxed and Cozy Environment
The first thing to do is set the right mood. An atmosphere that is calm and uncluttered tends to lessen tension and diversions. Some tips to consider include reducing background noise, such as turning off the television. In its place, seniors might enjoy relaxing music.
Also, it’s important to use the right lighting. While lighting helps seniors find their way in darker areas, like hallways, too much lighting can make them uncomfortable.
For this reason, loved ones will need to assess various options, like getting Alzheimer’s home care services, to ensure the best care.
Make and Keep a Schedule
Consistency is essential for those suffering from Alzheimer’s. Creating a regular meal routine can be beneficial. This means making and keeping consistent breakfast, lunch, and dinner mealtimes.
Also, if possible, it’s best to eat in the same location—whether that’s the living or dining room—to foster stability and familiarity. Even sitting in a different seat than normal might throw some seniors off.
Focus on Simplicity
Having too many options can be debilitating. Utilizing tips from Alzheimer’s home care, loved ones can make mealtime simpler by only providing one or two options instead of several and making foods easier to see. This means serving the meal on plates that don’t blend in with the food.
Also, confusion can be reduced by choosing simple, unpatterned tablecloths that don’t blend with the plates and using simple dinnerware.
Create a Sensory Experience
Loved ones should think about how the senses are stimulated during mealtimes. For instance, the aroma of cooking food might increase hunger and bring back happy memories.
Additionally, arranging food in a visually appealing manner and serving vegetables and fruits with vibrant colors can enhance the appeal of the meal. At the same time, think about textures, which can help add interest and enjoyment.
Of course, it’s also important to consider the flip side, as sensory overload might cause frustration.
Adjust as Needed
Eating habit changes may indicate additional problems, which means that loved ones will need to rely on Alzheimer’s home care for added support and to make the necessary adjustments.
Paying attention to how frequently and how much seniors eat is essential. Also, loved ones should talk with the medical team if they notice significant changes in weight or appetite.
It takes a combination of empathy, inventiveness, and patience to make mealtimes enjoyable for seniors with Alzheimer’s. However, with the support and resources that Alzheimer’s home care provides, seniors can enjoy mealtimes more.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Escondido, CA, please contact the caring staff at A Caring Touch Home Care today. Call (619) 344-0528
A Caring Touch Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency providing exceptional home care in Coronado, Del Mar/Del Mar Heights, Bonita, East Lake, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Mt. Helix/La Mesa, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Carmel Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, Point Loma, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego and surrounding areas.
Sources:
- https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/food-eating
- https://www.mashomecare.com/fostering-a-positive-meal-experience-for-loved-ones-with-alzheimers/
- https://training.mmlearn.org/blog/10-ways-for-alzheimers-caregivers-to-make-mealtimes-easier
