Those with Alzheimer’s disease can often struggle during mealtimes. They may find it difficult to stay focused on the meal, as well as manage some of the dexterity needed to eat. If your loved one with Alzheimer’s has begun to struggle through mealtime, there are steps you can take to help him still enjoy his meals with some independence.

Because mealtimes can become a source of stress for both your loved one and yourself, you might consider having an Alzheimer’s care professional come to the home during mealtime. You can work with your Alzheimer’s care provider to discuss which areas they’ll help with, with parts of the meal you might still manage, and which tasks your loved one can still perform.

In addition to determining those responsibilities, your Alzheimer’s care provider can help you determine how you might be able to make some mealtime changes to help your loved one be more independent while he eats.

Here are six areas you can evaluate and alter to make mealtime more pleasant for everyone. 

 

Resist the urge to feed your loved one.

While you might feel frustrated watching your loved one try to pick up a noodle with his fork, resist the urge to take the fork and pick up the noodle and then feed him. This action can easily result in frustration and anger from your loved one as he wants to still be able to do it. It just takes longer than before.

 

Clear the clutter.

A cluttered table, a plate overflowing with food, and a noisy environment can all over-stimulate your loved one and make it difficult for him to participate in mealtime. Consider having the table completely cleared off before he sits down and then presenting his food nicely on his plate with clear divisions between items.

 

Prepare his plate before you place it before him.

If meat or vegetables need to be cut up, do that before the plate is set beside him. If there is cheese to be grated over the pasta, do that beforehand as well. Make sure everything is ready for him to begin once you set the plate down. Having to grab it away from him again to cut up something causes confusion.

 

Consider finger foods.

If your loved one has reached the point where using utensils causes more frustration than they help, you might want to consider altering his diet to include mostly finger foods that he can pick up and enjoy. Be creative so that he can still get a wide variety of food he likes by cutting items into shapes that are easy to pick up.

 

Help where needed, but stop when he’s ready to take over.

If your loved one becomes distracted and stops engaging in his meal, you might consider gently putting his spoon back in his hand and reminding him to take a few more spoonfuls of chili. Or you might guide his hands to be around his cup, reminding him to drink some water as he eats.

 

Ask for help.

Finally, if you find yourself getting too frustrated, ask for help from another family member or your Alzheimer’s care provider. Your frustration will not help your loved one, so having someone else step in can be beneficial for both of you.

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Care in Alhambra, CA, please contact the caring staff at Nu Care Inc. today at. 800-505-6890