Meals are an essential part of the day, no matter a person’s stage of life. Beyond providing necessary nutrition, they also offer a chance to connect with loved ones. For those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, mealtimes hold even greater significance. They create opportunities for your loved one to engage with the world and feel like an active participant.
With the support of Alzheimer’s home care, these moments can become even more meaningful and manageable for both you and your loved one.
What Should You Serve?
When caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, meal preparation requires thoughtful planning. Alzheimer’s home care providers can help ensure meals are both enjoyable and nutritious.
Here are some Alzheimer’s home care tips to help guide your choices:
#1 Continue to aim for nutrition.
While serving your loved one’s favorite foods is a great way to encourage her to eat and complete her meals, you should still keep nutrition in mind. Better nutrition can help her physically and cognitively maintain better health. If your loved one is set on a certain food (such as mac and cheese), work toward making it more healthy when possible.
#2 Food should be easy to eat and digest.
For many Alzheimer’s patients, being served one food at a time is easier for them to eat without becoming overwhelmed. Finger foods can be great for those who struggle with utensils. Stay away from overly spicy foods that might upset her gastrointestinal system later or any foods that you know cause digestive issues.
How Should You Serve It?
Preventing mealtime frustration can often be accomplished by how you serve your loved one’s meal.
- Make sure the dining area is quiet and focused on the task at hand – eating. Light music may be okay, but turn off the TV and eliminate any startling noises if possible.
- Serve food in the same manner each time. Have her sit in the same place, set up her food in a similar process each time, and use her favorite plates, silverware, and cups – even if they don’t match.
- When you put the food in front of her, make sure it’s ready for her to eat so you’re not interrupting the process of eating by making adjustments to it. Cut up all of her food into bite-size servings right away, and if she likes seasoning or sauces (like ketchup and salt), make sure the food has both before the plate is set down.
- Be patient. Meals will naturally take longer. Don’t appear rushed or anxious when it takes her longer than expected to eat. So long as she’s making progress, the meal is a success.
Getting Help with Alzheimer’s Home Care Can Help Meals Go More Smoothly
One of the best ways to help your loved one have a successful mealtime is to get a little help. An Alzheimer’s home care provider is trained in assisting with Alzheimer’s home care and can step in and help you and your loved one during meals.
With Alzheimer’s home care providers, you have an extra hand to help when things don’t go as planned or if you have something that takes you away from the meal momentarily. No matter what happens, an Alzheimer’s home care provider has got you covered.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Home Care in Phoenix, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Blessings! for Seniors Companion Care today. Call (623) 594-0819
Blessings! for Seniors Companion Care is a top provider of home care services in Goodyear, Avondale, Buckeye, Glendale, Peoria, Litchfield Park, Sun City, Sun City West, Tolleson, Phoenix, Youngtown, Surprise, and surrounding areas.
Blessings for Seniors makes it possible for older adults to enjoy the comforts of their own home for as long as possible. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as; Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans’ Home Care program.
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