If you’re taking care of a senior parent who has Alzheimer’s or dementia, some of their behaviors may be confusing for you. That’s because their brain processes things differently from yours. So, your senior parent may do things like bump into walls because their depth perception is off. Or finding that they can’t read words, but can speak them. If your senior parent has stopped eating the way they should, or if you’re struggling to get them to eat, that could be due to dementia. Dementia care providers can be a big help for family members who are struggling to take care of a parent who has dementia.
Here are some things you can try to get them to eat regularly.
Dementia Care At Home
Dementia care providers who have experience working with seniors who have dementia know methods of helping them that you may not know. And dementia care providers have extra training so that they understand how dementia affects your parents’ perception and abilities.
Dementia can cause your senior parent to develop issues that make food unappealing, or they may not even know they are hungry.
Some of the ways that dementia can affect your parents’ appetite are:
They May Forget to Eat
People with dementia often forget things, including meals. Your parent might not remember if they ate breakfast or lunch. They might say they’re not hungry, even if they haven’t eaten all day. Sometimes, they simply forget how to start eating, like picking up a fork or opening the fridge. This can lead to weight loss and low energy if not watched closely.
They May Not Recognize Food
Dementia can make it hard for a person to recognize what food is. Your parent might look at a plate of food and not know what to do with it. They may not understand that it’s time to eat, or they may forget how to use utensils. Some people even forget what their favorite foods are. This can cause them to avoid meals or only eat certain things they recognize.
Their Taste May Change
Dementia can change how food tastes or smells to a person. Your parent might say their food tastes bland or strange, even if it’s made the same way as always. They may stop liking foods they used to enjoy, or they may start craving sweet or salty foods more than before. These changes can make meals less enjoyable and harder to plan.
They May Get Distracted or Overwhelmed
Eating takes focus, and dementia can make it harder to concentrate. Your parent might get distracted during meals, especially if the room is noisy or if too many foods are on the plate. They might forget they’re eating or stop in the middle of a meal. A crowded or cluttered table can feel overwhelming and cause them to give up on eating altogether.
They May Overeat Without Realizing It
In some cases, people with dementia may eat too much. They might forget they just had a snack or meal and ask for more food. Or they may keep eating because they no longer feel full the way they used to. This can lead to weight gain, upset stomach, or problems with blood sugar. Watching portion sizes and keeping a meal schedule can help.
How Dementia Care Can Help
A dementia care provider can help establish a consistent meal routine for your senior parent. If your parent isn’t eating enough, a consistent meal schedule and healthy meals prepared by a care provider may tempt them to eat when they should.
And if your parent is overeating, a consistent meal schedule with carefully portioned meals will prevent them from overeating.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Dementia Care Services in Boca Raton, FL, please get in touch with the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call 954-962-0926.
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Florida, including Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and Broward County.
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