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Helping Your Loved One Eat Well with Dementia: A Caregiver’s Guide

May 22, 2025

Eating should be a joyful, nourishing part of each day. But for individuals living with dementia, mealtimes can become challenging — even distressing. Your loved one may forget how to use utensils, refuse certain foods, or become distracted during meals. Helping your loved one eat well with dementia requires patience, planning, and compassion.

At Story Cottage, we create peaceful, structured dining experiences that encourage comfort, nutrition, and social connection. If you’re caring for someone at home, these gentle, evidence-based tips can help your loved one eat well with dementia while preserving dignity and ease.

Understanding Mealtime Challenges in Dementia

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia can affect appetite, taste, chewing and swallowing abilities, and focus. Over time, your loved one may:

  • Forget to eat or lose interest in food
  • Struggle with coordination or utensils
  • Have difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Become confused by cluttered table settings
  • Feel anxious or agitated at mealtime

Tips for a Calm, Supportive Mealtime Routine

1. Keep a Consistent Schedule

Serve meals and snacks at the same time daily. Familiar routines help regulate hunger cues and reduce confusion.

2. Create a Peaceful Eating Space

  • Turn off TV and background noise
  • Keep table settings minimal
  • Use contrasting plate and utensil colors
  • Serve one food at a time if needed

3. Offer Finger Foods

Cut fruit, cheese cubes, or small sandwiches can help your loved one eat without utensils, promoting independence.

4. Focus on Favorite, Familiar Foods

Serve nutritious versions of familiar dishes. Introduce new foods gradually and without pressure.

5. Offer Encouragement

Use short prompts like, “Take a bite” or “Sip some water.” Sit nearby, model eating, and offer calm reassurance.

6. Watch for Swallowing Issues

If coughing, choking, or food pocketing occurs, ask the doctor for a speech therapy evaluation.

Caregiver sitting with loved one to help them eat well with dementia
Sitting together encourages relaxed, enjoyable meals.

Nutrition Tips for Dementia Care

  • Offer small, frequent meals
  • Encourage hydration with water, juice, or broths
  • Add calorie-dense foods like avocado or peanut butter
  • Consider doctor-approved nutritional drinks if needed

How Story Cottage Supports Mealtime Success

We serve family-style meals in a warm, home-like setting. Caregivers know each resident’s preferences, texture needs, and routines, making every mealtime supportive and stress-free.

When Mealtime Becomes Too Difficult

If mealtime feels overwhelming, contact Story Cottage to learn how our memory care homes can support your loved one with comfort, dignity, and personalized care.

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