Mealtime support

Several strategies can help the person in your care have the best possible experience at mealtimes and get adequate nutrition.

• Routine. Eat at the same time every day as much as possible. If mealtimes are too long or difficult, consider frequent, smaller meals throughout the day.
• Hydration. Offer small glasses of water frequently throughout the day to promote adequate hydration. Offer food with high water content, such as fruit, soups, milkshakes and smoothies.
• Calm environment. Avoid distractions, such as a television or radio. Remove unnecessary clutter from the table. Turn off phones.
• Dishes and utensils. Choose dishes that are easiest to use: white dishes instead of patterned dishes, bowls instead of plates, spoons instead of forks, or fingers instead of utensils. Use bendable straws or lidded cups.
• Food servings. Cut food into bite-sized pieces before serving, or make finger foods. Serve one type of food at a time, as deciding what to eat may be agitating.
• Food choices. Make favorite and familiar foods, while ensuring generous servings of vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
• Encouragement and modeling. You can help with the basic mechanics of eating by demonstrating how to hold a spoon, when to take a drink or how to chew enough after a bite. Gently hold the person's hand to help with using a utensil.