Dining
Having a dining routine can help to establish a rhythm to the day.
Food associations can help to support orientation to the time of day (for example cereal might be associated with breakfast) and could also be linked to days of the week (for example a curry, pizza or roast dinner could be associated with the weekend). Think about ways you could establish a dining routine. This might be about the time you eat or where you eat. A weekly meal plan might help:
Click on the image to download.
When thinking about dining it is also helpful to think about how the crockery you eat from can enhance the experience. Choosing plates or bowls that contrast with the colour of the table makes the crockery and food easier to see. Here’s some examples from Marney Walker - Independent Occupational Therapist and Lab4Living PhD Student.
Navigating Mealtimes with Dementia: Solutions and Empowerment
Mealtimes are more than just a means of nourishment; they are moments of connection, pleasure, and self-care. When faced with changes in abilities due to dementia, it’s essential to recognize that you have the power to make mealtimes work for you. Click on the image to for 12 approaches that can help. You can also read this information on the Let’s Talk About Dementia blog.
From Occupational Therapist, Fran Hamilton.
