In-Home Care Tips To Get A Senior With Alzheimer’s To Eat More
A large percentage of seniors are chronically malnourished. But seniors with Alzheimer’s have a bigger risk of becoming malnourished as Alzheimer’s progresses. That’s because seniors may experience changes in the taste of food due to their condition. Alzheimer’s can cause seniors to not recognize when they are hungry. And it can cause seniors to develop aversions to certain textures or smells.
To avoid malnutrition, seniors with Alzheimer’s need to eat a balanced diet. But caregivers can struggle to get their senior parents to eat enough food. In-home care can help. Care providers that specialize in in-home care learn lots of effective tips and tricks to get seniors to eat when they need to eat. Some of the things that you can do to encourage a senior parent with Alzheimer’s to eat more are:
Get Into A Mealtime Routine
Create a regular meal schedule to establish a sense of familiarity and predictability. Consistency can help seniors with Alzheimer’s anticipate mealtimes and have a sense of predictability. When seniors are used to eating at set times they will eat more because they know it’s time to eat.
Make Dining Fun
Making it fun for seniors to sit at the table and eat will make them more likely to want to do it. Use fun colored plates and glasses. Try using silverware designed for seniors that is large and easy to grip. And minimize distractions like the TV or overly bright lights that could cause sensory overload.
Serve Finger Foods
Offer easy-to-eat finger foods that require minimal utensil use. This can make eating more manageable for seniors who may struggle with coordination or using utensils. Also serve foods that seniors will recognize and enjoy. Foods designed for kids are often popular with seniors and easy for them to eat.
Snack Throughout The Day
Some seniors don’t like having formal meals three times a day. If your senior parent refuses to eat large meals, serve them small snacks every couple of hours. Make sure you’re serving snacks that have protein and are healthy like cheese and crackers or yogurt.
Smells Can Trigger Memories And Stimulate Appetite.
Smelling a familiar smell of a food that they love can stimulate seniors with Alzheimer’s to want to eat. Try making pot roast, spaghetti and meals, or other meals that seniors know and love to encourage them to eat.
Texture Modifications
If chewing and swallowing are challenging for your senior parent try changing the texture. Soft or pureed foods may be more manageable and enjoyable for seniors with swallowing difficulties.
Involve Them in Meal Preparation
Having a senior loved one help with the meal preparation can get them more interested in eating the meal once it’s ready. Seniors may enjoy activities such as stirring, chopping soft ingredients, or setting the table. This involvement can increase their interest in the meal and provide a sense of accomplishment.
If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home care in Middletown, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Lares Home Care 888-492-3538 or 732-566-1112.
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