Mealtime is just one area where providing quality memory care necessitates a fresh and creative take on traditional methods. Expert advice is provided on how to make eating in a group less stressful and more of a positive experience without sacrificing the safety or health of the resident. Here is what you can expect out of dining programs in memory care communities in Clayton, NC.
Meal and Menu Planning
Using memory aids such as signs or alarms to prompt residents before mealtimes is one way to make a home more conducive to those with dementia. To help, a big-number clock, a calendar with big letters and numbers, a daily schedule, or a menu board is put up.
When the residents of a memory care community enter the dining area, it is important to maintain a regular furniture layout so they will know what to expect. Then, for a calming impact, some classical or other calming music is put on. Memory care residents should also be limited in their exposure to television, loud environments, and large crowds of people.
Residents can benefit from a quieter, more dementia-friendly dining environment, owing to a dedicated service hour. Residents should be seated in a way that they are facing away from other diners in mixed dining areas.
Simple Table Layouts
Dementia patients should have a simple table setting with only the necessary eating utensils provided. This includes limiting the number of table decorations and condiments that could potentially draw attention away from the meal.
A meal is not complete without some contrast. There are a lot of residents in the community who cannot see well, so it is important to think about how different things look on the plate, the table, and the tablecloth. Plates with bold colors are used to help residents see where their meal is.
Mealtime Strategy
Dementia patients have higher energy and appetite levels in the morning. Therefore, it is best to either provide more food at breakfast or multiple breakfasts. Likewise, caregivers should be adaptable with mealtimes and allow ample time for residents to eat without feeling pressured. To avoid them from forgetting what they wanted or why they came to the dining room, there should be as little time as possible between the time of ordering and the time of receiving their food.
One or two small meals each day, rather than three large ones, is ideal for a dementia diet. Sandwiches, wraps, and fresh fruit and vegetables are great finger foods that are also great for those with dementia. Those who may have seen a decline in physical strength, coordination, or dexterity will be able to maintain their attention on their meal instead of becoming annoyed by the difficulty of using their silverware.
Close Involvement
Emotional benefits can be felt by residents of memory care communities when they are included in conversations. That is why it is important for caregivers to greet residents and keep them company before, during, and after meals, even if they cannot communicate with words. Serve meals alongside residents and help them as needed whenever possible. It is important to remember that even if caregivers sit down to eat with the residents, their primary focus should be on them.
