The Cabana at Jensen Dunes
Assisted Living and Memory Support community on the Treasure Coast serving the Jensen Beach, Stuart and Port St. Lucie areas.
Time spent sharing a meal with family or friends is so important. It’s a chance to unplug and connect with those around you.
As we age, that quality one-on-one time becomes especially needed. But when your parent or loved one has dementia, dining at a restaurant can present some challenges.
Before taking your loved one out to a meal, assess if it is suitable for them. If they are sensitive to new environments, dining in might be best. If you feel that going out would be something they would enjoy, give it a try and keep these tips in mind:
- Choose a slower time of day to dine, such as in between the lunch and dinner rushes. This will make for a quieter space for conversation.
- Go to a restaurant that isn’t far from their residence and that may be familiar to them. Familiarity is a good thing for those with dementia.
- Help them review the menu and talk through some items you think they would like, such as a dish they have ordered in the past.
- It doesn’t hurt to notify the waiter or waitress of their condition. They may be able to speed up service to accommodate.
- Keep in mind any items they usually require at meal time – such as special utensils or an extra sweater in case they get cold.
Having a strong connection with family has been linked to many health benefits for seniors including improved mental health and longevity. For more information on ways to connect and spend quality time with your senior with dementia, please give us a call at 772-332-1000. We would be happy to speak with you!