Improved dining is within reach for those with dementia
People with dementia may struggle with a steady grip or the concept of using silverware, which can result in weight loss. In the Special Care Residence (SCR) dining room at The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine, creative changes have improved the dining experience for residents. Team members modified the menu options to help residents eat independently — soup in a mug, pudding in an ice cream cone, scrambled eggs in a tortilla.
“With a mug of soup, it’s easy to grab the handle instead of trying to maneuver a spoon and everything falling off,” said SCR Clinical Coordinator Becky McConnell, LPN. “It gives residents a sense of dignity.”
Being able to eat independently improves quality of life and allows more nursing hours for residents who need assistance.
“Ultimately, the goal is to improve weight maintenance,” said Registered Dietitian Megan Oemichen, RD, LD. “And the menu changes have shown encouraging results.”
Nearly half of residents eating the finger-food friendly menu have gained weight; two more have maintained their weight. The atmosphere in the dining room has improved too.
“Looking at the faces and actions of the residents, you can see they enjoy meals more,” Becky said.
The creative changes were inspired by a larger effort under way through the Minnesota Department of Human Services Performance-based Incentive Payment Program (PIPP). The Lutheran Home: Belle Plaine received a three-year PIPP grant in October 2014. With the support of the grant, The Lutheran Home Association has observed an overall improvement in quality of life and engagement for residents, helping maintain and increase physical, mental, social and emotional functions.
Creative additions to activity programs have facilitated positive changes of mood and emotional states, increased the ability to learn and recall, provided a non-pharmacological management of pain and discomfort and created opportunities for creative output, emotional support and social interaction.
Find out more about TLHA’s Alzheimer’s Care, designed to meet the unique needs of those with memory loss.