Companion Care at Home Mealtime Tips for Seniors With Alzheimer’s Disease

Senior Mealtime Tips: Companion Care at Home Cheney WA

Mealtime, which was once a time for the family to gather and share memories, can be a frustrating and difficult time for seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease. From increased swallowing issues to confusion, it’s important to work with skilled companion care at home providers to ensure seniors continue getting the nutrition they need despite the challenges.

Why Do Seniors With Alzheimer’s Disease Have Difficulty Eating and Drinking?

Alzheimer’s Disease affects the part of the brain that regulates swallowing as it progresses. As a result, seniors with advanced memory issues may have trouble swallowing or lose the capacity to do so safely. These difficulties might cough or choke after eating food or liquids, leading to scared feelings related to eating and an unwillingness to continue.

Some issues can make someone consume less food or experience swallowing issues, like a sore mouth or sensitive teeth. Other factors contributing to swallowing issues include overall fragility and weakness, which results in severely weakened swallowing muscles. Also, some seniors will find that eating feels different and, at times, may even feel unpleasant due to changes in sensation and sensory awareness.

Adding companion care at home gives seniors support during these trying times. Home care professionals can monitor mealtimes to ensure safety and plan and cook meals around the foods that seniors readily eat.

Tips for Making Mealtime Easier

To make mealtime easier, loved ones can work with companion care at home to implement changes that encourage seniors to eat. Some of these tips are listed below.

• Offer meals in a peaceful environment
  • It’s important to limit distractions while seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease are eating. This allows them to focus and remain calm during mealtimes.
• Clear the table to ensure a clean slate
  • Besides eating in a peaceful environment, the table should be empty of unnecessary items that might distract seniors. Avoid patterns on plates, tablecloths, and napkins, as they can be distracting. Ensure that plates stand out against the table, and consider using plastic utensils and plates for easy cleanup. Also, only provide utensils needed for the meal to eliminate confusion.
• Check the temperature of the food
  • Minimize the risk of burns by checking the temperature of food and drinks before serving them. This is essential as some seniors might not be able to tell if the items are too hot.
• Lessen the number of items on the plate
  • As Alzheimer’s Disease progress, eating will be easier for seniors if only one food item is on their plate at a time. This limits confusion and allows them to focus better.
• Provide a healthy food plan while maintaining flexibility
  • With changes in seniors’ appetite and the ability to consume certain foods, it can be difficult to ensure they get what they need. Companion care at home assists with this by monitoring what seniors have difficulty with and any changes that may arise. In some seniors, their desire for certain foods changes due to issues with texture or choking fears. It helps to have companion care at home professionals who can provide loved ones with food preference updates.

Mealtime with seniors who have Alzheimer’s Disease can be a struggle. By implementing the above tips and more from companion care and home professionals, loved ones ensure that seniors get the best care possible for their needs. Home care team members can also help seniors with safety in the home, as well as hygiene issues as the disease progresses.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Companion Care at Home in Cheney, WA please contact the caring staff at Angel Senior Care today at (509) 326-4357.

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Vaughn & Donna Young

Owners at Angel Senior Care

Angel Senior Care in the Inland Northwest was founded on the belief that each and every individual deserves the very best care, compassion and attention that we can offer. We actively pursue the latest training and knowledge in the care industry, while working around the clock to ensure that our caregivers and company reflect our personal philosophies of care.

After watching our own family members struggle with the need for compassionate home care, we determined that we could be that caring solution and provide home care in Spokane – not just for our family, but for seniors throughout Spokane County. We like to think of our clients as our extended family, and we treat them with the same dignity and respect our own grandparents and parents would expect to receive.

Our feeling is that while all of our caregivers need to be qualified in terms of certifications and experience, our goal is to hire those that are unique in their drive to show service and respect to the elderly. We hire only those caregivers who share our purpose, passion, and commitment.

Between the two of us, we have more than 30 years’ combined experience in the health care industry and are committed to providing the best Spokane senior care. We have utilized that experience to create a care-centered business model that puts the health and well being of our clients first.

When you entrust the care of your loved one to the experience and commitment of Angel Senior Care, you can rest easy knowing they are looked after, both physically and emotionally.

Sincerely, Vaughn & Donna Young

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