People with loved ones in Allentown and the greater Lehigh Valley area who have dementia are most likely aware of the mental aspects of the disease. However, there are other concerns regarding daily needs, such as eating and drinking. South Mountain Memory Care would like to share this information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that may help you care for your loved one.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a group of symptoms related to a decline in memory or other thinking skills that make it hard to do daily activities. Dementia can cause changes in thinking, behavior, feelings, appetite, chewing, and swallowing.
Nutrition basics
There is no “diet” for people with dementia. It is important to eat a variety of foods and maintain a healthy weight. An expert dietitian can help you or your loved one stay healthy with dementia.
Problems chewing
Some people with dementia can’t chew their food. This can cause choking, infection, and weight loss. Use the tips below to prevent these issues.
⦁ Cut foods into small pieces, cook meats until they are tender, and puree foods in a blender if needed.
⦁ Make soft foods like scrambled eggs, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, tuna, and egg salad.
⦁ Make sure dentures fit well. Look for sores in the mouth, tender gums, and broken or missing teeth. See the dentist as needed.
⦁ Take adequate time to eat and try not to rush meals. Eating may take a little longer; be patient.
Problems swallowing
Dementia can change behavior. If your loved one gets angry and refuses to take bites, chew, or swallow food, don’t think they are trying to challenge you on purpose. They may not remember how or when to chew or swallow. To help with swallowing problems, try these tips:
⦁ Mix foods with sauces or gravies.
⦁ Try putting pills in pudding, applesauce, or cottage cheese. Some medicines can be crushed and mixed with juices.
Always check with your pharmacist before crushing medicine! Crushing some medicines makes them not work.
⦁ Eat sitting up straight with the head slightly forward.
⦁ Check your loved one’s mouth at the end of the meal to make sure no food has been “pocketed” (stuck) in the cheeks.
⦁ Peanut butter can be good for protein, but it and other sticky foods can be tough to swallow. Mixing peanut butter with milk, pudding, yogurt, or applesauce can help.
⦁ Sometimes, swallowing foods is fine, but thin liquids like water, juice, or tea can cause choking. Your dietitian may recommend adding a thickener to thin liquids to prevent choking.
⦁ Learn how to perform the Heimlich maneuver in case of emergency.
Feeding challenges
People with dementia can have difficulty feeding themselves or drinking out of a cup.
⦁ Cutting up food before giving your loved one a plate can make it easier for them to eat it.
⦁ There are “adaptive utensils” that could help. These include forks and spoons with large handles, and cups with lids and spouts or straws to make drinking easier.
Whatever the cause of your or your loved one’s memory issues, South Mountain Memory Care, with our unique culture, “small house” model, and abundance of certified caregivers, offers you the peace of mind of knowing your loved one will be cared for as if they were our family—which they are!
South Mountain Memory Care is committed to providing individualized, compassionate care to support our residents in achieving a well-balanced lifestyle. We strive to allow our residents to remain independent while emphasizing safety. Our focus is to enrich their life—mind, body, and spirit—by bringing new initiatives into their day-to-day regimen while maintaining the activities they find comfort in. South Mountain Memory Care offers the peace of mind you deserve. When it comes to those you care so deeply about, we understand because we care, too.