1. If they are not eating, take the decision-making away.
Offer one food item at a time to avoid overwhelming your loved one with too many choices.

2. Try not to give caffeine later in the day.
Limiting caffeine may help reduce restlessness and support better sleep.

3. Give them food they recognize.
Familiar foods are often easier to accept than unfamiliar meals.

4. Remember that some people may call the evening meal “Supper” instead of “Dinner.”
Using familiar words and routines may help reduce confusion around mealtimes.

5. Reward them for eating.
Offering dessert after the meal may encourage better eating habits when appropriate.

6. Do not use garnishes.
Simple food presentation may make meals easier to recognize and less confusing.

7. Give them their own territory.
Allow the person to have a comfortable, familiar place to eat with minimal interruptions.

8. Wait until dinner is ready before bringing them to the table.
Reducing waiting time can help prevent frustration and agitation.

9. Sprinkle food with a sweetener when necessary.
Some individuals with dementia prefer sweeter foods, which may encourage eating.

10. Offer snack sandwiches after breakfast and lunch.
Smaller meals and snacks throughout the day may help increase overall calorie intake.

11. Avoid distractions during mealtime.
Turn off televisions and reduce background noise so attention stays focused on eating.

12. Use place mats.
A consistent eating area can help improve focus and make table settings easier to recognize.

13. Keep the table clutter free.
Removing unnecessary items can reduce confusion and make food easier to identify.

14. Use plates that contrast with the place mats.
Good color contrast may help the food stand out and make meals easier to see.

15. Serve foods they enjoy.
Favorite foods may encourage better appetite while still supporting nutritional needs.

16. Avoid decision-making during mealtime.
Keeping mealtimes simple and predictable can reduce anxiety and make eating more enjoyable.

We hope some of these tips help with keeping good eating habits for our seniors.

Additional Dementia Mealtime Resources

Changes in eating habits are common as dementia progresses. Along with creating a calm mealtime environment, caregivers may benefit from additional resources that address nutrition, behaviors, and specialized dementia care.

If your loved one prefers eating smaller meals or snacks throughout the day, explore our Quick and Healthy Snack Ideas article for simple food suggestions that may be easier to enjoy between meals.

If challenging behaviors such as resistance, frustration, or aggression occur during meals, our Coping with Agitation and Aggression in Alzheimer’s Disease resource offers practical caregiving strategies that may help reduce stress during mealtimes.

For broader caregiving guidance, read More Pointers on Caring for Someone with Dementia, which provides additional everyday caregiving tips for supporting someone living with dementia.

If dementia-related eating challenges become difficult to manage at home, learn about our Residential Care with Dementia services and how we help families navigate specialized memory care options.

You may also find our article on Psychotropic Medications for Dementia helpful when learning about behavioral symptoms and treatment discussions that may arise during the progression of dementia.

If you have any other tips or tricks dealing with food and eating during Alzheimer’s and Dementia, please share with us here or on facebook.

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