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The Dining Experience. For Residents with Dementia Presented by Mary Salzieder. It is essential to remember mealtime as a social time just as much as it is a time for nourishment. Mealtime Just another task ?. Traditionally time to gather with family and friends
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The Dining Experience For Residents with Dementia Presented by Mary Salzieder
It is essential to remember mealtime as a social time just as much as it is a time for nourishment. MealtimeJust another task?
Traditionally time to gather with family and friends • A time of sharing food, experiences and thoughts
In LTC, mealtime is an opportunity for residents and staff • It is usually one of the last abilities we lose • It is an “activity” • It can be a relaxing time • It can be the most natural time for socializing • It can be the most enjoyable time of the day
What happens when we do not focus on the opportunity? Residents with dementia are at the mercy of staff as to whether their meal will be another item checked off the staff task list or a time of positive emotions and successful activity.
Residents who are not truly connected to the moment often exhibit negative/disruptive behaviors • Behaviors negatively affect everyone in the dining room, including staff • Some residents who are not truly connected to the moment may appear withdrawn or asleep. Those residents are at risk for lack of attention because they “don’t want to eat”. Resident’s quality of life is compromised when we don’t focus on the opportunity.
What happens when we do focus on the opportunity? Residents in all stages of dementia, including end-of-life, have emotions and the need for human interaction and attention. Mealtime is a natural opportunity to attend to these needs. Person-centered care during mealtime will positively affect residents throughout the rest of the day.
How can I make a positive difference? • Understand the disease • Know the person
Understanding the DiseaseThe overwhelming challenges of living in the world of dementia. • Effects of normal aging • Effects of the disease on the brain • Effects of the environment • Effects of caregivers who do not have the “knack”
Know the Person • Life Story • Diagnosis and current medical status • This moment in time
Put it all TogetherPractical steps Safe care practices • Care staff seated at the table with residents (including residents who do not need assistance eating) • OBSERVATION and on-going assessment of physical and emotional changes • Positioning • Swallowing • Distraction, agitation • Standard precautions
Environment • Lighting • Noise • Table place setting
Get the resident ready • Always attend to bathroom needs before the meal (distraction) • Clean glasses, hearing aids on, clothes adjusted (distraction) • Seating the resident who paces/wanders • Seating the resident who calls out (task, pictures)
The meal • Use your knowledge of the disease and the person – communicate • Relax and enjoy the company you are in
After the meal Remember what we know about dementia • Resident cannot initiate • A mind that is not engaged can go to fearful, sad or agitated thoughts • Resident may fall asleep or perhaps become agitated or disruptive
After the meal Using your understanding of dementia and knowledge of the individual, provide a connection to life • Re-position • Provide something to hold (sensory) • Provide something to look at
We are the first, best treatment for dementia. Everyone benefits from staff consistently using dementia-specific best practices in all their interactions with residents.
