Enjoying Meals Together

Vicky Pitner   -   July 30, 2025

Often families question why their loved-one living with dementia just doesn’t seem interested in eating. By exploring the circumstances around mealtimes, many families report that the person eats alone, and the family rarely eats together.

Sadly, and unfortunately, as dementia progresses, it can change a person’s senses, affecting eating habits and even the enjoyment of meals.  Smell and taste play is very important in stimulating appetites, and when the senses are not working properly.

Taste buds may become dulled, making even familiar foods seem unappealing. Vision changes can make it harder to distinguish or recognize the food on the plate. Drinking and using utensils independently may be problematic if the person’s coordination has become challenging. These concerns can result in dehydration and even weight loss..

Tips to create pleasant experience:

  • Minimize background noise such turning off the TV during meals.
  • Studies show calm and instrumental music such as jazz can have positive effects at mealtimes.
  • Keep the table clean of clutter and have a simple place setting.
  • Establishing a familiar place and consistent mealtimes can help.
  • Use brightly colored plates (blue or red) that contrast with the food. Mash potatoes may not be visible on a white plate and use aromatic herbs and spices to enhance flavor.
  • Cut food into manageable pieces before placing the plate on the table. Cutting up food in front of an adult is embarrassing and only reinforces lack of independence.
  • Using adaptive utensils such as weighted of easy grip spoons. Having all the family members using the same utensil can create a more inclusive environment and the person doesn’t stand out.
  • Offering more finger foods can create a sense of independence.

Enjoying meals together is a wonderful opportunity to stay connected. If the person lays down the utensil, simply hand it back to them without speaking.

For information on our Memory Ministry, Memory Café or our Family and Friends please contact Vicky at vpitner@firstumc.org.