• Change the environment in which meals occur.
• Assess the area where meals are served. Create a homelike environment by preparing food close to the place where it will be served to stimulate senses.
• Observe as many former rituals as possible, such as handwashing and saying a blessing.
• Avoid clutter and distractions.
• Maintain a pleasant, well-lighted room. Play calming music.
• Keep food as close to its original form as possible; try “finger foods” that are easy to pick up.
• Serve meals in the same place at the same time and in the company of others.
• Provide longer and continuous facilitation at mealtimes.
• Check food temperatures to prevent accidental mouth burns.
• Assist as needed. Be alert for cues from the patient. Turning away may signal that the patient has had enough to eat or that the patient needs to slow down. Leaning forward with an open mouth usually means the patient is ready for more food.
• Stroking the underside of the chin may help promote swallowing.
• Provide one or two food items at a time. Offer small, frequent eating opportunities. A whole tray of food may be overwhelming.
• Ensure that the patient's glasses and hearing aid are working properly.
• Demonstrate what you want the patient to do. State the goal clearly, and then mimic the action with exaggerated motions.
• Provide foods and between-meal snacks that are easy to consume using the hands.
• Use adaptive feeding equipment, as needed, such as weighted utensils, large-handled cups, and larger or smaller silverware than standard.
• Promote family/caregiver involvement to encourage eating.

Source: Adapted from Alzheimer's Association. Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Center. (n.d.). Food and eating. Retrieved September 26, 2020, from https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/food-eating; Dudek, S. (2022). Nutrition essentials for nursing practice (9th ed.). Wolters Kluwer; Liu, W., Williams, K., Batchelor-Murphy, M., Perkhounkova, Y., & Hein, M. (2019). Eating performance in relation to intake of solid and liquid food in nursing home residents with dementia: A secondary behavioral analysis of mealtime videos. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 96, 18-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2018.12.010; and Mendes, A. (2018). Optimising nutritional intake in people with dementia on hospital wards. British Journal of Nursing, 27(20), 1206. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2018.27.20.1206.