Evaluate possibility of visual or auditory over-stimulation with residents who have dementia. Praise resident for eating well. Encourage the resident to just take a bite of each food. Offer small snacks or nutrition supplement. Provide opportunities for increasing physical activity level, including chair exercises, prior to meals.
Offer foods one at a time.
Discourage the drinking of large quantities of liquids just prior to, or during the meal. Depression can be a cause of decreased appetite. Constipation Encourage adequate fluid intake. The best sources of fluid are water and fruit juices. Additional fluids are recommended when fiber supplements are used.