Looking for a Job? Call 0808 208 0088

Dementia Eating and Drinking Tips

At Novus Care, we recognise that eating and drinking can be difficult for those living with dementia. Here we offer practical eating and drinking tips for supporting someone living with dementia, based on our vast experience in providing dementia care. By understanding how to adapt meals and mealtimes, you can help your loved one eat well and continue living comfortably at home.

Dementia and weight loss

Losing weight is common in people living with dementia. Unintended weight loss can cause a more rapid progression of dementia. However, not everyone with dementia will experience weight loss. Some individuals may gain weight due to memory issues, leading them to eat again shortly after finishing a meal. Additionally, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, 20-40% of those living with dementia experience depression, which may further affect appetite.

Weight loss signs:

  • Poor appetite
  • Clothes, jewellery or dentures appear loose
  • Tiredness
  • Mobility or falling
  • Constipation
  • Altered mood and changes in behaviour
  • Poor concentration
  • Poor wound healing

Dementia and swallowing problems

As dementia progresses, issues with swallowing (dysphagia) often worsen. This can lead to challenges like difficulty holding food in their mouth or continuous chewing. Sore gums or ill-fitting dentures can cause discomfort and make eating painful. If these issues become more severe, a speech and language therapist can help with swallowing exercises, dietary advice, and medication adjustments.

Dementia and loss of appetite

It’s common for food preferences to change in the later stages of dementia, which can affect both the amount and variety of food consumed. As we often said ‘we eat with our eyes’. So presentation is essential, especially for someone living with dementia. To support someone with dementia and loss of appetite, try these tips:

  • Use coloured plates to help differentiate food (blue, yellow, red and green have all been shown to help increase appetite)
  • Include familiar and preferred foods
  • Offer smaller meals more frequently
  • Support people to eat and drink – cut up food or pour drinks. As dementia progresses – help the person to eat
  • Allow sufficient time for food and drink to be enjoyed
  • Give constant prompting and positive encouragement
  • Be flexible with mealtimes, as appetite can vary throughout the day
  • Use a variety of colourful foods, such as fruits and vegetables
  • Avoid overloading the plate with too much food
  • Leave time between the main meal and dessert

Dementia and eating issues

For those who struggle with cutlery, finger foods can make mealtimes easier. These foods are a great alternative to meals as they are simple to pick up and eat. Perfect for those with co-ordination difficulties or who no longer recognise the purpose of cutlery. Speak with your local GP to be referred to a occupational therapist who may also recommend adaptive utensils, like high-sided plates or spill-proof cups.

Examples of finger foods include:

  • Toast fingers with jam or marmalade
  • Small sandwiches
  • Crackers with soft cheese
  • Quartered hard-boiled eggs
  • Vegetable batons
  • Potato wedges, chunky chips, or roasted vegetables
  • Bite-sized pieces of chicken, meatballs, fish fingers, or sausage rolls
  • Individual slices of fruit cake, tea cakes, or scones
  • Small pieces of fruit, like apple slices, banana segments, or grapes.

Dehydration in elderly dementia patients

Dehydration can pose serious health risks for loved ones living with dementia including incontinence, constipation, fatigue, poor oral health, low blood pressure, and a higher risk of falls due to dizziness and confusion. A person with dementia may become dehydrated if they are unable to communicate that they are thirsty or simply forget to drink.

Signs of dehydration:

  • Skin and membranes of nose and eyes appear dry
  • Confused
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion
  • Light headed/faint when standing
  • Darker coloured urine
  • Forgetfulness
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
  • Irritability and/or agitation

 

Top tips to stay hydrated:

  • Encourage the person to drink regularly throughout the day, aiming for 1.5 to 2 litres (about 8-10 glasses or 10-13 cups) daily
  • Always offer a drink with meals or snacks
  • Offer a variety of drinks such as tea, coffee, hot or cold milky drinks, fruit juice, smoothies, soup, squash, or water
  • Use a clear glass so they can see the drink, or try a brightly coloured cup
  • Hand the cup to them directly or place it where they can easily see it
  • Ensure the cup or glass is easy to handle—not too heavy or an awkward shape
  • Include foods with high water content, such as ice lollies, jelly, yogurt, melon, soup and cucumber

What if I’m concerned about leaving a person with dementia alone?

Over 120,000 people in the UK living with dementia live alone. In the early stages of dementia loved ones may be able to live alone and completely independently with support.

As dementia progresses, loved one’s may struggle to prepare meals or forget about food entirely. If eating and drinking become problematic, it may indicate they need to start having daily support. Using care agencies such as Novus Care who offer care and support at home include daily visiting care for meal preparation or live-in care for 24/7 support.

Tips for supporting someone living alone with Dementia

  • Buy ready-made meals that require little preparation
  • Set reminders on a smart device (e.g. Alexa) or mobile phone
  • Arrange for meal deliveries—your local council or Alzheimer’s Society may offer options
  • Shop online, with a relative or friend placing orders on their behalf.
  • Use simple notes or pictures to indicate where food is stored (e.g., a picture of a sandwich on the fridge)
  • Provide clear instructions for preparing food (e.g., “microwave on high for 3 minutes”).
  • Consider arranging a visiting carer to pop in to prepare meals

The importance of healthy eating and dementia

A healthy diet is essential for managing dementia. Proper nutrition supports both physical and mental health, reducing the risk of dehydration, weight loss, urinary tract infections, and constipation. These issues can worsen dementia symptoms, such as confusion and delirium. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals play a role in supporting brain health.

Encourage a diet that includes:

  • Plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens
  • Oily fish, at least twice a week, for omega-3
  • Nuts, seeds, and olive oil for healthy fats
  • Wholegrain foods for additional fibre and nutrients

How visiting or live-in support can help manage symptoms of alzheimer’s and dementia

Having visiting carers or live-in support at home can make a significant difference for someone living with Alzheimer’s or other types of Dementia. A dedicated carer provides care, reassurance, and encouragement, offering both practical support and peace of mind for your loved ones.

For more information about our visiting and live-in care services, or to discuss your loved one’s specific needs, please contact us on 0800 138 4030 or email: [email protected]

Download your FREE living with dementia guide here

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Arrange home care for a loved one

We understand choosing to have care delivered in your own home can be a daunting task and that’s why we are here to guide you through the process, every step of the way.

Step 1

Call our care team on 0800 138 4030 or email: [email protected] to discuss your requirements

Step 2

We’ll arrange a free face-to-face home care assessment with an experienced local Care Manager

Step 3

We will create a unique support and care plan tailored to your needs

Step 4

We will help match you with a carefully selected carer that meets your personal needs

Step 1

Call 0800 138 4030 or email: [email protected] to discuss your requirements

Step 2

We’ll arrange a free face-to-face home care assessment with an experienced local Care Manager

Step 3

We will create a unique support and care plan tailored to your needs

Step 4

We will help match you with a carefully selected carer that meets your personal needs

Care you can trust

We are committed to investing in systems, training and procedures to ensure that we are able to deliver a superior level of service which is timely and reliable.

In addition to first class carers we have a strong home care management team in place which is dedicated to ensuring that all of our clients and their families are happy with the service being provided.

Why choose Novus Care?

Schedule a free assessment

Get in touch to speak with our care team about your ideal care plan.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.