How to Help an Alzheimer's Patient With Meals

Mealtime can be challenging when caring for an Alzheimer's patient. Nutrition is an important factor in any disease, and eating meals together with friends or family provides a sense of normalcy for someone with any form of dementia. There are ways to help reduce mealtime stress and ensure your loved one is getting the nutrition he or she needs.

Instructions

• 1

  Make sure a person with Alzheimer's disease is able to chew food adequately. Weight loss or dental disease may be a reason for poor eating habits. A visit to the dentist will ensure that dentures fit properly and resolve any other issues that may interfere with eating.

• 2

  Allow enough time to sit and enjoy the meal together. As the main caretaker, you may have a limited amount of time to accomplish everything you need to do. However, try to plan meals and take the time sit and relax at mealtime.

• 3

  Establish a calm environment for mealtimes. Limit the amount of noise and distraction and encourage quiet conversation among other people at the table.

• 4

  Choose foods that are easy for an Alzheimer's patient to eat. Depending on the stage of the disease, his appetite may be poor or he may have trouble manipulating the tableware, which can be frustrating for both of you. Providing finger foods or a bowl rather than a plate might be helpful

• 5

  Reduce the number of food choices and serve small portions of each. Limit the number of utensils you provide at the table. If you need to cut food into bite-sized pieces, do it before you place it in front of the patient.

• 6

  Take care of yourself. Stress from the daily care of an Alzheimer's patient can be overwhelming for the caregiver. Join a support group in your community or talk with your loved one's physician about ways to cope with the complicated issues associated with an Alzheimer's diagnosis.