Supporting someone with dementia to eat and drink

Ways to improve the eating experience for a person who has dementia

It’s important to remember that people with dementia don’t need a special diet. There is no evidence that certain foods or supplements slow down or treat dementia. If someone with dementia wants to try supplements or specific foods, speak to the GP first. 

Finding solutions that work for you both can involve trial and error. 

• Think about what the person likes and dislikes. Keep in mind past routines and things that are important to them, like their culture, religion or dietary beliefs.
• Look for non-verbal clues about how the person is feeling, such as body language and eye contact.
• Keep calm and try not to rush the person. It’s important they don’t feel hurried and they are given enough time to eat.
• Help them maintain as much independence as possible. 

It can be stressful and upsetting when a person won’t eat, or when their food preferences seem to completely change. It is important that you are supported as well.  

Tips to help with a good eating experience 

A person’s surroundings can play an important part in their eating and drinking experience. If the person feels comfortable, it can affect how much they enjoy eating and the amount they eat. A good mealtime experience can have a positive impact on the person’s health and wellbeing. 

• Make the environment calm, relaxing and as appealing to the person as possible. Think about what environment they usually like to eat in.
• Keep the table free from clutter. Avoid patterned tablecloths, napkins or other items that can cause confusion.
• Consider playing soothing music at mealtimes, as this can help create a relaxing environment. Try to switch off any distracting background noise and avoid distracting movement, for example on the television.
• Be led by the person on where they would like to sit and eat. Make sure that they are comfortable.
• Try not to worry about mess – it’s more important for the person to eat than to be tidy. Wipe-clean mats and covers may help.
• If you or others are eating at the same time as the person, it may encourage them to eat. It may also help remind them how to use cutlery or pick up their drink.
   

Preparing food 

Staying involved in preparing food and drink can help people with dementia to maintain certain skills, and to stay interested in food and drink.

Carers, friends or family members could help prepare meals. You could break down preparation into individual tasks, such as preparing vegetables or buttering bread. It’s important for the person with dementia to do as much as they can for themselves. 

Supporting someone who is living alone

People with dementia who live alone may struggle to prepare meals, or they may eat out-of-date or uncooked food. These are all signs that they may need more support. 

• Leave simple notes or pictures to show the person where things are – for example a sign or picture of food on the fridge.
• Leave simple instructions to help the person prepare, cook or reheat food for themselves – for example ‘microwave on high for three minutes’. You may need to add more detail, such as which button to press on the microwave.
• If the person is not throwing away out-of-date or spoiled food, speak to them about ways to manage this. Some people find it helpful to regularly check and, if necessary, replace items when visiting.
• Talk to the person about using frozen, refrigerated or room-temperature ready meals. They often need little preparation. Some meals are specifically made to be nutritionally balanced.
• If the person struggles using utensils for chopping or peeling, ready-prepared or frozen vegetables can help them maintain a balanced diet.
• If the person has trouble cooking, consider keeping pre-cooked food, such as packs of chicken in the fridge.
• Organise online shopping if the person struggles with going to the shops. The person can order what they want and have it delivered – usually on the date and at the time of day they choose. You could help the person with this, but it’s important to make sure the food order is what the person wants. 
  It may also help to be there when the shopping is delivered, or remind the person nearer the time that it will be arriving.

Services that can help

Remember that you are not alone. If you are concerned about a person’s diet, speak to the GP. 

They may be able to refer you to a dietitian, or in some areas you can self-refer. You can find information about registered dietitians and search for dietitians near you via The Association of UK Dietitians. 

You could look into having meals delivered with services such as ‘meals on wheels’. It may also be possible for the person to have a week’s supply of ready meals delivered. Contact your local council to see what is available in your area. 

Alternatively, you could arrange a homecare worker to help the person with eating and drinking. For more information contact your local social services or the UK Homecare Association.