10 Practical Tips to Enhance Dining for a Person with Dementia

Caring for a partner with dementia presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to mealtime. Providing a comfortable and supportive dining environment can significantly improve their eating habits and overall quality of life. Here are ten simple tips to enhance your partner's dining experience:

‍

1. Set Up a Large Clock with Mealtime Reminders

If your partner frequently asks about meal times, place a large, easy-to-read digital clock in a visible spot. Next to it, post a sign with the meal schedule to help ease their worry and provide a clear, reassuring reminder of when meals will be served.

‍

2. Choose High-Contrast Dining Ware‍

Opt for placemats, plates, bowls, and utensils that contrast with each other as well as the food. This helps in making the items more visible and distinguishable, aiding your partner in recognizing and reaching for them. Solid colors are preferable over patterns to reduce confusion and misperceptions.

‍

3. Adapt Utensils, Plates, and Food Choices

If your partner has difficulty eating independently, try using adaptive dining aids. Specialized utensils and plates can make self-feeding easier, boosting their sense of independence. You might also consider offering finger foods, which can be easier to manage. For ideas, check out our blog: 20 Finger Foods for People Living with Dementia.

‍

4. Flexible Dining Locations‍

Allow your partner to eat wherever they feel most comfortable, whether it's at the dining table, in the living room, or even while walking around. Comfort can greatly improve their desire to eat and overall eating experience.

‍

5. Ensure Adequate Lighting‍

Proper lighting is important for helping your partner see their food and utensils clearly. This not only aids in reducing confusion but also makes eating less of a strain.

‍

6. Incorporate Soft Background Music‍

If your partner gets easily agitated during meals, playing soft, relaxing music can have a calming effect. Instrumentals can often be more soothing than songs with lyrics.

‍

7. Minimize Distractions‍

Turn off the TV and clear the table of unnecessary items if these elements distract your partner. A quieter, simpler environment can help them focus on eating.

‍

8. Encourage Independence through Cueing‍

Focus on cueing rather than doing. If your partner needs help, guide them through the process through demonstration but allow them to do as much as they can independently.

‍

9. Simplify Meal Presentation‍

If your partner is overwhelmed by the amount of food on their plate, use smaller plates, serve less food, or present one type of food at a time. Simplifying choices can reduce stress and make meals manageable.

‍

10. Allow Ample Time for Meals‍

Don’t rush mealtime. Provide your partner with plenty of time to eat at their own pace, which can make dining a more enjoyable and less frustrating experience.

‍

Bonus: If your partner shows any difficulties with eating and swallowing, please ask the doctor for a referral to a speech language pathologist. 

‍

By implementing these tips, you can create a more dementia-friendly dining environment that supports your partner's needs and enhances their quality of life. Remember, patience and adaptation are key in caring for someone with dementia.