5 ‘tips’ for a successful, respectful dining strategy

Improving the dining experience for care home residents with dementia involves creating a comfortable and safe environment that supports their specific needs. Here are five effective strategies for a successful dining experience.

1. Simplify table settings - Too many options or clutter can create confusion.

Use plain, coloured (non-patterned) dining-wear to create contrast with items of food. Avoid excessive table decoration and too many utensils that may be distracting or overwhelming. Offer one dish at a time and use show-plates.

2. Provide finger foods and adaptable portions – Some residents will struggle with utensils or be overwhelmed by too much food on the plate.

Provide options that can be easily picked up by hand and served in bite-sized pieces. This supports independence and can avoid stress where there’s anxiety around using cutlery.

Above all, recognise residents right to make their own decisions about what they eat. Ensure a pictorial Menu Display is available to inform and create some anticipation for the next meal time. Always present show plates to residents when they are making their choice, including blended food choices for people who need them.

3. Create a calm, inviting dining environment

When dementia is a factor, sensory experiences can become exaggerated. The dining area should be somewhere that’s comfortable and invites you to spend time there. It should be clear ‘this is a dining room’ with a warm and comfortable ambience.

So, avoid loud noise, echoes and harsh lighting. Play gentle background music to create a relaxing atmosphere. Use food and dining themed artwork alongside well dressed tables, all will enhance to the quality of the dining experience.

4. Encourage social Interaction and support

Wherever we dine, Dining is usually a social experience whether enjoyed at home or away with family and/or friends. Making dining sociable will usually enhance the dining experience and good nutrition is central to good physical and psychological well-being of course.

Seat residents with companions or people they are familiar with and can share positive interactions. Staff or family members should share this time with residents to help with them with their meals and ensure their enjoyment.

5. Involve residents in dining-related tasks

Being involved in familiar tasks and having a sense of purpose are valuable components for good health and well-being, helping to enhance the dining experience.

Encourage residents to participate in safe aspects of the meal service such as laying tables. This provides that sense of purpose and re-visits tasks that may have been familiar routines for most of their lives. This can help orientate residents to meal times so they’ll be more likely to be hungry when their meal is served.

Considering, recognising and addressing the unique challenges dementia presents around dining will support improved nutrition and well-being, creating a positive impact on all aspects of a resident’s life.