Other Supports Management
Refuse to eat
Unfortunately, a person with dementia can have a lack of appetite. They may refuse to eat or may spit it out. The insufficient food intake can lead to weight loss and the reduction in muscle strength. The person with dementia may start to feel weaker.
Caregivers are usually greatly concern about it.
Care tips
- Improve eating environment
- Turn off the television to avoid distractions during meal times
- Play their favorite music during meal times
- Keep the table setting simple by only including utensils needed for the meal
- Avoid patterned dishes, tablecloths and placemats to help them distinguish their food from the plate
- Serve only 1 to 2 types of food at a time
- Eat together with everyone in the household as it creates an enjoyable social event
- Meal preparation
- Make sure the food and drink is at an optimal temperature before serving (not too cold and not too hot)
- Prepare food that is not too hard to chew or swallow
- Be flexible with food preferences and try to include more of their favourite food and be aware of foods they dislike
- Prepare healthy snacks and fruits for them to snack on when they want to
- During and after eating
- Allow plenty of time for them to eat
- Encourage them to sit up straight with their head tilted forward during eating and encourage an upright posture 30 minutes after a meal
- Remind them to chew and swallow carefully, check their mouth after the meal to ensure the food has been swallowed
- Demonstrate by taking a bite of food, sip of water from the cup or how to hold a spoon.
- Don’t worry about tidiness and encourage them to feed themselves as much as possible
- Medication review
- Sometimes medication can alter the person with dementia’s taste buds and make them refuse to eat. If you suspect this is the case, make sure you consult the doctor or pharmacist.
To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors
– Tia Walker –
– Tia Walker –
Self-Diagnosis
Self Check
Support Map
View Map
Q&A
Common Questions