Malnutrition is something that is common among seniors, especially seniors who have dementia or Alzheimer’s. One of the ways that Alzheimer’s affects seniors is by making it impossible for a senior to recognize their body’s cues for hunger and thirst. So seniors with Alzheimer’s often don’t eat as much as they should. Dementia home care providers can help seniors with Alzheimer’s stay healthy at home.
Significant weight loss and not eating can lead to a lot of health problems for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Now recent studies indicate that not getting enough calories can also speed up the progression of Alzheimer’s. It’s very important for seniors with Alzheimer’s to eat regularly and to get the calories they need in healthy ways.
Dementia home care can help seniors with Alzheimer’s stay healthy at home. With dedicated dementia home care for a senior parent, family caregivers have the peace of mind of knowing that a compassionate professional is making sure that their senior parent is getting the support they need.
In addition to dementia home care some things that can help seniors with Alzheimer’s eat more are:
Establish a Routine: Consistency is key when it comes to mealtime. Try to establish a regular schedule for meals and snacks, which can help seniors anticipate and feel more comfortable with eating times.
Create a Calm and Pleasant Environment: Make the dining area a peaceful, pleasant space free from distractions and loud noises. Dimming the lights and playing soothing music can help create a relaxing atmosphere.
Serve Familiar and Favorite Foods: Offer foods that the senior has always enjoyed or familiar comfort foods. Recognizable flavors and textures can be more appealing and trigger pleasant memories associated with eating.
Finger Foods and Easy-to-Eat Options: As Alzheimer’s progresses, fine motor skills can decline, making utensils challenging to use. Offer finger foods or cut food into bite-sized pieces for easier consumption. There are also utensils designed to make it easier for seniors to eat that have larger handles and padded grips that might make it easier for your senior parent to eat.
Offer Nutrient-Dense Snacks: Provide healthy snacks like fruits, yogurt, and nuts between meals to ensure the senior receives adequate nutrients even if they have a reduced appetite during main meals. Protein shakes are a great way for seniors to get the protein they need. And you can add fruits and vegetables to yogurt and smoothies to make them higher calorie and more nutritious.
Encourage Independence: When possible, allow the seniors to feed themselves. This fosters a sense of autonomy and can help maintain their dignity. Provide utensils that are easy to hold, like adaptive utensils with larger handles.
Be Patient and Avoid Rushing: Mealtime for seniors with Alzheimer’s can be slow. Avoid rushing or becoming frustrated. Offer gentle encouragement and allow them to eat at their own pace.
Use Visual Cues: Visual aids, like pictures of the food or step-by-step instructions, can help seniors understand what they’re supposed to do. Place these cues near the dining area or tape them to the table.
Offer Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, consider offering several smaller, nutrient-rich meals throughout the day. This can be less overwhelming and encourage seniors to eat more.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can be a concern for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Encourage the senior to drink water, juice, or herbal tea throughout the day. Offering beverages in a favorite cup or with a straw can make it more appealing.
Mealtime Companionship: Sharing meals with a trusted companion, whether it’s a caregiver, family member, or friend, can make the experience more enjoyable. Social interactions can stimulate appetite.
Maintain Oral Health: Dental issues can impact a senior’s ability to eat comfortably. Your senior parent may not be able to tell you if they are having tooth or jaw pain that makes eating difficult. Regular dental check-ups and oral care are essential to address any problems that may make them not want to eat.
Address Texture Preferences: Some individuals with Alzheimer’s may have texture preferences. Pay attention to whether they prefer softer or crunchier foods and tailor meals accordingly.
Source: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/malnutrition-predicts-faster-functional-loss-in-dementia-patients
If you or an aging loved one is considering Dementia Home Care Services in Morristown NJ please get in touch with the caring staff at Expert Home Care today at (732) 937-5320.
Providing exceptional live-in home care in New Jersey, including Monroe Township, Edison, New Brunswick, Red Bank, Lakewood, Princeton, Morristown, Flemington, Stockton, Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Montclair, Livingston, Summit, and surrounding communities.
We have been providing Home Health Care to New Jersey families since 1985, and have grown to become one of the largest licensed providers of Live-In Home Care in the upper New Jersey area. Our many years of New Jersey home care experience has produced a company that over 8,000 clients have come to rely on confidently, for help.
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