Month: July 2025

In dementia care, it’s not just about offering support—it’s about offering the right support. That’s why the fourth step in the CARES® Approach, “E – Evaluate What Works,” is so important. After you’ve connected, assessed, and responded, the next key step is to pause and reflect: Is this working well for the person in my care?

When it comes to eating well, evaluating what works becomes even more essential. People living with dementia may face challenges with appetite, food preferences, chewing, or swallowing. Caregivers need to be observant and flexible to ensure mealtimes are not only safe, but also enjoyable.

Learning Through Example: Barb and Ann

This is a very informative interaction between Barb, a nurse, and Ann, a woman with dementia. Their mealtime routine offers a powerful lesson in how thoughtful caregiving can encourage better food intake and emotional comfort.

Here are some key takeaways from Barb’s approach:

• She prepares Ann for what’s next
Before offering each bite, Barb lets Ann know what she is about to do. This simple explanation helps Ann feel more in control and less startled by unexpected actions.

• She observes and adjusts
Barb carefully watches Ann’s reactions and constantly checks in— “How is that bite?” This helps her identify what Ann enjoys and when to slow down or pause.

• She stays calm and patient
Barb’s calm demeanor creates a relaxed environment, which helps ease Ann’s anxiety and makes eating a more comfortable experience.

• She knows Ann’s best time for meals
Understanding that breakfast is typically the best meal of the day for Ann, Barb puts extra effort into making that experience a success—both nutritionally and emotionally.

• She respects Ann’s preferences
Barb doesn’t push foods Ann dislikes. If something doesn’t go over well, she doesn’t offer it again. This builds trust and makes mealtime a more positive experience.

• She creates a calm eating environment
Keeping distractions, noise, and clutter away helps Ann focus on her food and feel safe—an important factor in dementia-friendly dining.

Why This Matters

Mealtime is more than just eating. For someone with dementia, it’s a deeply sensory and emotional experience. By evaluating what works—like Barb does—you create a supportive space where the person feels heard, respected, and nourished.

It’s not just about the food. It’s about how it’s offered, when it’s offered, and where it’s offered. All these things matter.

Your Role as a Caregiver

As a caregiver, your job is part observation, part intuition, and part adjustment. What worked yesterday may not work today—and that’s okay. The key is to stay engaged and responsive.

Ask yourself:

• Is the person enjoying the food?
• Are they showing signs of stress or calm?
• Should I try a different environment or time of day?
Sometimes the smallest change—a softer voice, a quieter room, a better time—can make the biggest difference.

If mealtimes feel challenging when caring for someone with dementia, the CARES® Approach can help guide you. We’re here to support you on this journey—enjoy 10% OFF any training and certification program with code SunnyJuly at checkout. Offer valid through July 31, 2025.

When caring for someone with dementia, helping them eat well is more than just offering food—it’s about understanding behavior around food, their needs and responding in ways that make them feel safe, respected, and comfortable. The CARES® Approach provides a helpful framework for dementia care, and the third step—Respond Appropriately—is especially important during mealtimes.

Understanding Behavior Around Food

People with dementia may refuse to eat, get distracted, become frustrated, or have difficulty using utensils. These behaviors aren’t random—they often reflect underlying needs or discomfort. Responding appropriately requires recognizing these signs and adjusting your approach based on what you know about the person.

Use What You Know About Them

Each person has unique food preferences, habits, and routines developed over a lifetime. Use this knowledge to make meals more familiar and enjoyable:

• Favorite Foods: Serve dishes they’ve always loved.
• Cultural Preferences: Respect traditions or dietary restrictions.
• Mealtime Routines: Stick to familiar times and settings for meals.

For example, if someone always ate lunch at noon with soft music playing, recreating that experience may help them feel more at ease and willing to eat.

Respond with Calm and Care

A person may become upset or confused during mealtime. If they push food away or say they’ve already eaten, avoid correcting them. Instead, gently encourage or offer an alternative. How you respond can reduce anxiety and encourage better eating habits.

Be Flexible and Patient

Eating might take longer. They may need visual cues, hand-over-hand guidance, or even finger foods. Be prepared to adapt as their needs change, always with a focus on dignity and comfort.

Create a Positive Environment

Minimize distractions, offer foods with appealing colors and smells, and sit at eye level while offering support. A calm and inviting atmosphere can make a big difference.

Helping someone with dementia eat well begins with understanding and support—and we’re here to help you every step of the way. To make that journey a little easier, enjoy 10% OFF any training and certification program with code SunnyJuly at checkout. Offer valid through July 31, 2025.

Mealtimes can be a source of comfort and connection—but for people living with dementia, they can also become moments of confusion or distress. That’s why the CARES® Approach includes a crucial second step: Assess Behavior. Understanding the “why” behind a person’s actions during meals can help caregivers create a more positive, calm, and nourishing experience.

Why Assessing Behavior Matters

Behavior is a form of communication, especially for someone with dementia who may struggle to express their needs with words. If a person refuses to eat, leaves the table repeatedly, or takes food from others, these behaviors aren’t random—they’re signals. The key is to assess what the person might be trying to communicate through their actions.

Observing and Identifying Patterns

Start by observing what’s happening during meals. Ask yourself questions such as:

• When does the behavior occur? Is it only at lunch or dinner?
• Where is it happening? At the dining table, in a group setting, or somewhere more private?
• Who is present? Does the person behave differently depending on who else is at the table?

By noticing these patterns, you may uncover important clues. For example, if someone leaves the table when it’s noisy, they may be overwhelmed by the environment. If they take food from others, they may be confused about which plate is theirs.

Assessing behavior is not about judgment—it’s about curiosity and compassion. It’s about taking the time to truly see the person behind the behavior and meeting their needs with patience and understanding. When we look beyond the surface, we often find simple, meaningful ways to improve the dining experience for people living with dementia.

Supporting someone with dementia begins with understanding and compassionate care. To help you on that journey, we’re offering 10% OFF any training and certification program with code SunnyJuly at checkout—valid through July 31, 2025.