Food Safety
Care for Loved Ones with Dementia
D
ementia is more than just memory loss and everyone's experience of dementia symptoms are different. Research suggests that up to a third of dementia cases could be linked to controllable risk factors. We can all take steps to reduce our risk of developing dementia by adopting healthy lifestyle choices. However, with more than 16 million Americans providing care at home for their loved ones with Dementia, it is likely that someone you know might need help. Please find some information from our Occupational Therapy Department on how to support safe feeding and swallowing for people with Dementia.
3 2 | FOCUS ON WELLNESS
n INTERACTION: • Sit down, and make sure you are at their eye level. • Be aware of your non-verbal communication, such as your smile and body language. • Provide a calm environment by slowing your pace and having a gentle tone. • Make sure to validate their feelings. • Provide reassurance such as “You are here with me, you are safe.” • Avoid correcting them, use “ please Do…instead of Don’t” • Be creative with reorientation. • Gently redirect them to the task at hand. • Highlight their abilities, not their failures. • Provide simple prompts “Open, Eat, Swallow” • Use directions and gestures, and hand-over-hand guidance. • The person may be more receptive to gentle touch on the surface of their palm rather than the back of their hand. • Keep the person engaged by holding the cup or utensil even if you have to do most of the work.
