CATERING
“Dementia can be a
testing time for both the individual and family and friends, and the
subject of diet is one that needs to be approached with patience and an open mind.”
As dementia progresses, a person may find it difficult to chew or swallow and certain foods may need to be avoided. This stage can oſten lead to malnutrition, and it is always best to seek advice from a doctor, or dietician. Some people try making nutritious milkshakes and smoothies packed full of whole foods that are also high in calories that may be easier for the sufferer to consume.
Adapt and Compromise Smaller portions and finger foods have proven to be beneficial when concentrating or coordination becomes difficult – it’s also important to note that, if someone has stopped eating, this may not be because they are full, it may be down to the fact that they cannot continue to focus on eating their meal. Smaller portions can prevent the experience of eating from turning into one that is negative; if food is taking a long time to be
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consumed and has gone cold, this is no longer a pleasurable task and can cause feelings of frustration.
While it is oſten advised that it is beneficial to our health to avoid eating late into the night, you may now need to embrace unconventional mealtimes. Dementia sufferers oſten experience changes to their normal routine and could be awake during the night, meaning that they might be inclined to eat during these hours instead.
The Importance of Hydration Just as we touched upon earlier, dementia sufferers may not recognise feelings of hunger, they also may not recognise when they are thirsty, and becoming dehydrated is an extremely serious risk. Provide a variety of drinks throughout the day and with every meal; clear glasses can help the user to see what is inside or use brightly coloured cups and mugs to attract attention and curiosity.
Dementia can be a testing time for both the individual and family and friends, and the subject of diet is one that needs to be approached with patience and an open mind. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach and it may be that you need to introduce something new each day, whether it’s a new way of serving food, a new food or ingredient, varied meal times or spending time talking or researching foods and their role in the diet.
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