11/12/2024 apetito - Supporting Residents with Dementia during the Festive Season
Richard Woodward, General Manager of Care Homes at apetito
Somehow it's that time of year again and whilst the holiday season is known as a time of joy and celebration, for individuals living with dementia, the festive season can also bring unique challenges, particularly when it comes to nutrition.
Residents with dementia may face difficulties in maintaining a balanced diet due to a range of factors such as memory loss and changes in taste and smell. During Christmas, the increase in rich and unfamiliar foods, coupled with potential disruptions to routine, can further complicate mealtimes.
We've put together a series of tips for supporting residents living with dementia through this challenging time.
Tips for supporting residents living with dementia:
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1. Familiarity is key During the holiday season, offer comforting and traditional dishes that are familiar to residents with dementia. This can help evoke positive memories and reduce any anxiety they may feel with unfamiliar festive foods, supporting a calm and enjoyable dining experience. |
2. Adaptive dining aids Provide adaptive utensils, easy-grip handles, and specialised plates for residents who may struggle with standard dining ware. These aids promote independence, allowing residents to enjoy meals with dignity and engage more comfortably in social dining. |
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3. Dining environment While festive decorations can brighten the atmosphere, keep in mind that for some residents, excess noise, flashing lights, or crowded table settings can be overwhelming. A simple, quiet setup with stable lighting helps residents stay focused on their meal and creates a more relaxing environment. |
4. Small & frequent meals Whilst food is often the centrepiece during Christmas, for individuals with a poor appetite - a common consequence of dementia - a large plate of food may feel daunting. Offering smaller, more frequent meals to residents may be more enjoyable and can provide a steady intake of essential nutrients. |
For those who are easily distracted at mealtimes, serving finger foods might be a good option to encourage independence while still supporting them to meet their nutritional requirements. The Finger Foods range from apetito includes meals such as Chicken & Mushroom Bake, Sausage Casserole and Veggie Bolognaise – providing a nutritionally complete hot meal in bite-sized pieces, without any mess.
Get in touch to find out more about how apetito can support your residents all year round:
Speak to one of our experts