Some seniors with Alzheimer’s disease have difficulty chewing, swallowing, and digesting food, while others may lose interest in eating. However, it’s important for them to eat a well-balanced diet. Here are some of the things you can do to encourage your senior loved one with Alzheimer’s to eat.
Use Colorful Plates
Colorful plates could motivate your loved one to eat, and the color will make the food stand out. The use of colorful plates stimulates interest in seniors with Alzheimer’s, enticing them to eat more.
Aging adults with Alzheimer’s disease may need assistance with eating and other daily activities. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of homecare services. Align Home Care Services is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From our caregivers who offer mentally stimulating activities to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
Simplify the Eating Process
As Alzheimer’s progresses, your loved one may find it difficult to hold utensils. Consider serving finger foods and snacks that can be eaten with the hands. For example, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and some forms of chicken can be eaten in smaller quantities without the use of utensils.
Make Eye Contact
Sit directly in front of your loved one at the dinner table. When you make eye contact, wait for your loved one to smile back at you. Continue making eye contact, and wait for your loved one to follow your lead. This process can take time, but the more frequently you follow this routine, the easier eating could become for your loved one.
Remain Patient
Patience is the most crucial factor to consider when motivating seniors with Alzheimer’s to eat. You’ll likely have to repeatedly explain why it’s important to eat. Be the guide, and show your loved one how to eat the food, one bite at a time. Explain what your loved one is eating and the benefits of eating each item. Keep a smile on your face while being the guide, and try not to lose your patience. Remember your loved one cannot control the circumstances or the disease.
There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Align Home Care Services is a leading Portland home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Make Food Easy to Eat
The way food is displayed is important for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Placing less food on the plate may make it easier to eat. If the plate is loaded with food, your loved one may become intimidated and refuse to eat. Cut up the food into small pieces to make the meal more manageable. Add a variety of foods to brighten up the meal, such as colorful fruits and vegetables. Change the food texture until your loved one develops a preference. For example, mash the potatoes instead of baking them.
If your senior loved one has Alzheimer’s and needs help managing daily tasks, reach out to Align Home Care Services, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Portland Align Home Care Services provides reliable caregivers around the clock to help your loved one age in place safely and comfortably while living with Alzheimer’s disease. Call one of our friendly Care Managers to learn about ways our experienced caregivers can help your loved one.