Simple and nutritious meals: a guide for carers

As a professional carer, one of your key responsibilities is ensuring the people you care for are eating well. Good nutrition is vital for maintaining health and wellbeing, but dementia can make meal times challenging. This guide will provide you with some tips and easy meal ideas.

Why good nutrition is important

A balanced diet can help manage some dementia symptoms, like irritability or confusion. Proper nutrition can also help prevent infections, maintain strength, and improve overall quality of life.

However, dementia can affect appetite, taste, or ability to recognise hunger. This means carers often need to take extra steps to ensure the people they care for are eating enough and getting the right nutrients.

Tips for preparing meals

1. Stick to familiar foods
   Many people with dementia respond better to familiar tastes and smells. Serve meals that are simple and recognisable, which may bring comfort and reduce confusion.

2. Finger foods are your friend
   People with advanced dementia may find using cutlery difficult. Finger foods like sandwiches, vegetable sticks, or cheese cubes can make it easier for them to eat independently.

3. Small portions, more often
   A large meal can be overwhelming for someone with dementia. Offering smaller portions throughout the day may be more manageable and help maintain energy levels. Eating little and often can help people with smaller appetites get the nutrients they need.

4. Stay mindful of hydration
   Their symptoms may mean they forget to drink enough water, leading to dehydration, which can cause confusion or worsen symptoms. Alongside meals, serve water, herbal tea, or diluted fruit juices to encourage hydration.

Easy and nutritious meal ideas

Here are some simple meal ideas, keeping the nutritional needs of those with dementia in mind:

1. Scrambled eggs on toast

Scrambled eggs are easy to chew, packed with protein, and can be served with buttered toast or a slice of soft bread. You can also add a side of sliced fruit for extra vitamins.

2. Vegetable soup and bread

A warm bowl of soup made with carrots, potatoes, peas, and other vegetables is both nutritious and comforting, especially with soft bread or a roll on the side. You can blend the soup for easier swallowing if necessary. Bone broth is also a good way to increase nutrition. 

3. Omelette with vegetables

Omelettes are versatile and can include soft, cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes. They are easy to prepare and provide protein and vitamins.

4. Fish fingers and peas

Soft, baked fish fingers paired with peas or mashed potatoes make for an easy-to-eat meal that’s also rich in omega-3, which supports brain health.

5. Cottage pie

A classic comfort dish, cottage pie is soft and easy to eat, especially when made with minced beef, mashed potatoes, and vegetables like carrots and peas. It’s filling and nutritious. You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the mince with lentils or a meat substitute like Quorn mince.

Managing mealtime challenges

• Encourage participation: let your those you care for help with small tasks, like setting the table or stirring a pot. This can help them feel involved and more likely to eat.

• Create a calm atmosphere: reducing distractions, such as turning off the TV, and providing a peaceful eating environment can make mealtimes more pleasant.

• Use visual and verbal cues: people with dementia may not recognise food or understand what to do. Show them how to pick up the food or gently remind them to take a bite.

By sticking to familiar, simple meals, offering small portions, and keeping them hydrated, you can help manage their nutrition and overall well-being.

Sources: Age UK, NHS, Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Society