Dealing With Mealtime Challenges

A person who has Alzheimer's might not remember when he or she last ate or why it's important to eat. To ease the challenges that mealtimes can bring, try these tips:

• Don't rely on your loved one to ask for food. He or she might not respond to hunger or thirst.
• Use solid colored or white dishes. Solid colored or plain white dishes can make it easier for your loved one to distinguish the food from the plate. Similarly, use placemats of a contrasting color to help your loved one distinguish the plate from the table. Stick with solid colors, though. Patterned plates, bowls and linens might be confusing.
• If your loved one is overwhelmed by an entire plateful of food, place just one type of food at a time on the plate. You could also offer several small meals throughout the day, rather than three larger ones.
• Finger foods are even easier — but avoid foods that can be tough to chew and swallow, such as nuts, popcorn and raw carrots.
• Turn off the television, radio and telephone ringer. Put your cellphone or pager on vibrate. You might also clear the table of any unnecessary items.
•  Make meals an enjoyable social event so that your loved one looks forward to the experience.

Red Placemat

 

White Plate