Proper nutrition is important for a strong healthy body but getting Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia to eat can be difficult. Studies have shown that Alzheimer’s disease can cause seniors to lose their sense of smell up to two years before the disease is even detected. Since the sense of smell is tightly linked to appetite and feeling hungry, losing awareness of hunger and forgetting to eat are common problems for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease.
Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia do not need to eat a special diet, it is important that they eat a balanced nutritious diet so that they don’t become weak and more susceptible to illnesses such as colds, flu, or pneumonia. And remember, don’t ever get mad at them for not eating or treat them like a child. Patience is always the number one tip for helping a loved one who suffers from dementia to eat.
10 Tips For Helping Seniors Eat More
- Serve food that is easy to swallow
Food should be able to be easily consumed in one bite without having to take an extra step like removing bones or taking of skin - Serve different types of foods
Serve their favorite dishes and try a variety of different foods. For example, soups and breakfast cereal may be easier to eat than meat which can require more chewing. - Be flexible with utensils
Serving food in a bowl instead of a plate and using a spoon instead of a fork may be easier while sipping through a bendable straw may work best for drinks. - Try frequent snacks
Healthy finger food, nutritious snacks, and diced fruits and vegetables are a great way to allow for more opportunities to eat. - Avoid distractions
Pay attention to too much conversation, television, or other noises that can distract them from eating. Try serving meals in a quiet environment. - Eat together
Eating with others can encourage eating. - Allow more time
Seniors with Alzheimer’s often eat slowly and take more time to finish their meals. - Keep them active
Light exercise such as walking helps stimulate the appetite - Check dentures or teeth
Poor-fitting dentures and dental problems can discourage eating. Always consult a dentist if you think they may have a dental problem. - Check medications
New medications or a change in dosage can affect appetite. Check with the doctor if you notice a change in appetite with new medications or different dosage levels.
Helping Seniors with Late-Stage Alzheimer’s to Eat
In the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease loved ones may forget how to use forks and spoons properly. In these cases, you can try helping them by placing your hand on theirs and helping guide their hand through the motion of eating. Repeating the movement of eating can help trigger their memories of eating. Also in late stages make sure to serve food in small bite-sized pieces or pureed as problems swallowing can lead to choking. Pureed foods are foods that are blended, whipped, or mashed until they become a pudding texture and there are many companies that specialize in prepared pureed food for seniors.
Many assisted living facilities in Los Angeles have dedicated memory care programs and serve nutritious easy-to-eat meals designed specifically for loved ones who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. If you would like to learn more about the many options for assisted living in Los Angeles please contact us.
Call Ron Passaro at 310-428-8221.
We specialize in assisted living in Los Angeles and will guide you through the entire process – all at no cost to you.
