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M
myktey Asked March 2011

How do I encourage a dementia resident to eat?

EXPERT Carol Bradley Bursack, CDSGF Mar 2011
There's a difference between encouragement and forcing. I gather you want to gently encourage. I'd suggest finding out what this person's favorite foods are and trying to supply these in small quantities. I do know, first hand, that large quantities of food in front of a person with no appetite is a big turnoff, so keep portions small. He or she can always ask for more.

You can offer small amounts of light foods frequently.Try to entice with fresh fruit - just a few bites - or jello, or a little pudding. Nothing too heavy.

Others on the site will have ideas. Good luck with this. It's hard to eat when we don't feel like it, so this is a challenge for a caregiver.
Take care,
Carol

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