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Enjoying food with dementia… Food, sharing meals and cooking are central to all of our lives, and here at Clifden House Dementia Care Centre, we cook our food daily, even baking cakes daily for afternoon tea. We all know that food is often linked to strong emotions. For some people cooking was their role in the family, which gave them purpose. It can be an essential part of a routine, but many people who have dementia struggle with cooking. Preparing even a simple meal requires remembering many steps and multitasking. Brain changes that occur in dementia often impair the mental abilities necessary for cooking. Moreover, dementia can damage taste and smell, making food preparation even more challenging. Difficulties with cooking will come on gradually and may be inconsistent. It can be difficult for both the individual with dementia and their family to know when and how help is needed.
Dealing with change in abilities
Many people with dementia can also be resistant to giving up cooking and to losing their role as chef in the family. It is especially difficult for them, as well as for the caregiver, to accept someone else taking over the role or to relying on pre-made food. These changes are a practical and emotional challenge for both the caregiver and the person with dementia. While it won’t erase the changes taking place, the caregiver is helped by acknowledging the loss and finding strategies to moderate the emotional impact of the changes in someone’s ability to participate in preparing meals.
When to offer support
It can be difficult to know when someone with dementia is struggling with cooking. A goal of preserving independence is often at odds with the goal to maintain safety. Do you notice that they struggle to prepare recipes they have been cooking for years? Do they forget to add in essential ingredients, or leave an appliance on after a meal is prepared?
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Cooking together makes cooking possible and can really be helpful for someone with mild dementia. It might relieve some of the worry and safety concerns if you can support them. Try simple recipes, making sure that the steps you use are as few as possible. Try to reduce the use of dangerous knives or blenders and watch out for the appliances being left on.
Nutrition
When a person with dementia is unable to cook for themselves, nutrition can quickly deteriorate. You may need to look at other options to provide your loved ones with the things they need. You could consider having their meals delivered and pre prepared. There are plenty of healthy nutritious ready meals now available pre-prepared from the supermarket. You could also have family, friends or a professional caregiver help prepare meals. Meals at Clifden House are tailored to the resident’s needs and what the individual and family tell us they like / don’t like. We cook food daily and bake regularly, ensuring that our residents get a wide variety of food to enjoy, as well as ensuring it fully meets their needs. Clifden House Dementia Care Centre has been delivering exceptional residential and respite care for 50 years. It aims to maximise each individual’s potential through choice, reducing the use of unnecessary medication and alleviating the symptoms of dementia in a caring and supportive environment.
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