Eating Heathy is Important to Individuals with Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association explains that many people suffering from Alzheimer’s may be “overwhelmed with too many food choices, forget to eat or have difficulty with eating utensils.”   This can be a problem as we know healthy eating is especially important for those with dementia and that poor nutrition can result in weight loss and increase behavioral symptoms.   

This is why in addition to the many aspects of MorningStar at Bear Creek’s memory care; we take our residents’ nutritional concerns very seriously.  One of the things we do to encourage our tender memory care residents to eat is to make dining as much about Community as it is about nutrition.  At mealtime, team members sit with residents to help make meal time an enjoyable, shared experience.  We also regularly serve meals family-style on platters and serving bowls to prompt residents to connect with memories of meals they have eaten or prepared during their lives.  Family members are invited to join us at any time.     

We also present food on long appetizer-style plates with separate cups and bowls for individual items.  The plates are often in a variety of colors to increase the visual and mental appeal of the meal.   

As our MorningStar at Bear Creek team is extremely experienced in caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, we know it is important to serve foods that taste as good as they look.  Furthermore, we understand some residents’ abilities at the table may be compromised, which is why we also serve finger foods; mechanical soft and puréed, thickened liquids; and easy-to-recognize balanced meals.  If the best option for your loved one is to eat pureed meat and vegetables, we offer elegant dishes that are both beautifully plated and purely delicious.   

Please visit our website to learn more about our loving memory care community.  To ensure the comfort of our residents, our 48 suites are offered in a choice of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. 

MorningStar at Bear Creek is a memory care community that uses progressive methods to palliate symptoms and revive joy.  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve, and is devoted to creating a true home for residents within a serene setting.  Please contact us to schedule a visit to experience firsthand our loving community.

Source: foodservicedirector.com/ideas-innovation/health-wellness/articles/4-ways-memory-care-dining-has-gone-beyond-finger-foods#page=3