How We’re Improving Mealtimes for Our Clients with Dementia
Discover how Home Instead Epping Forest is improving mealtimes for clients with dementia through DIET training.
At Home Instead Epping Forest, we believe exceptional dementia care begins with understanding. Which is why we’re proud to share that 16 of our dedicated Care Professionals have recently completed DIET (Dementia Interactions around Eating and Tasting) training.
This immersive and hands-on course explored the real challenges people with dementia face around food and drink, giving our team valuable tools to better support clients and families.
A Unique and Interactive Learning Experience
Led by an external trainer, Matt from Training2Care, the training took place over two half-day sessions. Far from your average training day, DIET uses experiential learning, group discussion, and sensory equipment to help participants step into the shoes of someone living with dementia.
Care Professionals were able to simulate the sensory impairments that often accompany dementia, experiencing firsthand how background noise, unfamiliar textures, and visual clutter can affect a person’s ability to eat and drink comfortably.
Why Mealtimes Matter
One of the biggest takeaways was how much small changes can impact dignity and independence. Facing someone while supporting them to eat, speaking clearly, and allowing enough time can mean the difference between a stressful meal and a meaningful one.
Debbie, our Head of Care Professional Experience, explained, “We all reacted differently when being fed incorrectly. It helped us understand how important it is to promote independence in an inclusive way. Everyone agreed that patience, clear communication and eye contact are essential.”
Understanding the Hidden Challenges
The training also covered important topics like agnosia (when someone struggles to recognise objects, including food), and communication difficulties such as aphasia. These can make choosing or recognising a meal incredibly difficult, especially if menus or settings are too complex.
Our Care Professionals explored how adaptive equipment can be introduced respectfully, and how clutter-free dining environments can support better nutritional intake and enjoyment.
Tips for Family and Friend Carers
If you’re supporting a loved one at home, here are a few small but powerful changes that could make mealtimes more comfortable:
– Simplify the table: Use plain-coloured plates that contrast with food to make dishes more recognisable.
– Limit background distractions: Reduce noise from TVs or radios and avoid overly busy table settings.
– Coloured plates are good, yellow and red plates help people with Dementia eat more, and are good for sight and perception.
– Face your loved one: Sit with them, make eye contact, and use a calm, reassuring tone of voice.
– Take your time: Don’t rush meals. Allow time for them to look, smell, and recognise what’s on their plate.
– Involve them: Small tasks like stirring a drink or choosing between two options can help them feel more in control.
If you’re not sure how to recognise the symptoms of dementia in your family member, here’s how you can ‘Spot the Signs.’
Our Ongoing Commitment
The DIET training is one more step in our ongoing drive to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia in Epping Forest. We’re committed to delivering person-centred, compassionate care that evolves with new understanding, and our Care Professionals are leading the way. We also organise and attend dementia-friendly events to keep our clients and the wider community connected.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Matt from training2care for guiding such a powerful session and to our Care Professionals for their openness, empathy and dedication to learning.
Together, we’re not only improving mealtime experiences – we’re strengthening our connection with every client and family we support.
More Information
To find out more about dementia care or how you can better support someone with dementia at home, contact us on 01992 666777 or come and visit our office for a friendly chat.