Memories are created by using our five senses to connect with each other and to connect with nature around us. Imagine smelling and tasting the food presented here while sharing the meal with a friend. This breakfast plate has a story to tell. My husband and I planted the kale and harvested it. Our hens laid the eggs we gathered. We hopped into the truck and drove to another farm while music played and the sunbeams danced on the windshield to collect the strawberries. Our pantry is getting low on blueberry jam spiced with ginger and lemon zest that I made last summer because we have enjoyed it so much. We sipped our coffee and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast as we savored the fresh taste. He held my hand and we enjoyed the time together as much as the food.
Are you hungry yet? Do you hunger for the taste and smell or the connection made from touching the hand of someone you love? Can you hear the music coming from the radio as you drive down the country road? Can you just envision the bright red strawberries and jars of blue jam on the counter? Through using our senses we created memories that will linger with us.
Today I will be sharing how senses may be changing in a person with Alzheimer’s. A person with Alzheimer’s goes through stages as the disease progresses. Vision and hearing may change. Often they lose the ability to smell. Taste buds diminish and the last one to remain strong is the one for sweets.
We will start with the photo of the plate. Let’s assume the person you are preparing this for is in early stages. If you look closely, you will see the plate itself has a subtle pattern. This is a no-no when a person has Alzheimer’s . If the plate is one solid color it makes it easier for them to see the food. Often, even in early stages, vision can become blurry. The variety of color is a good idea for the food itself. They can distinguish the food and make a choice. They may be able to feed themselves. I would suggest an adult bib if they are agreeable to this.
If the person is in middle stages, things will need to be adjusted. The coffee may have to be less hot and even in a lidded cup. The food choices may have to lessen so they are not overwhelmed. Do not be surprised if the fruit and toast with jam is all they want. The sense of taste lessens but the sweet taste remains the strongest. This two items can be eaten as finger foods which makes it easier for them to feed themselves.
Finally, at the late stages everything changes. They may or may not be able to chew and swallow scrambled eggs. Their strawberries may have to be pureed with yogurt. Most people develop swallowing issues as time passes. My own mom refused to eat unless it was sweet. I would dip the front of the spoon into yogurt or softened ice cream after loading it with pureed green beans or chicken to get her to eat. She would touch her tongue to the spoon and if it was sweet, she would open her mouth.
Always offer foods that can be safely swallowed. If choking, coughing or a runny nose occurs while eating, you need to consult a doctor and request a swallow test. This will allow you to discuss your concerns and make changes to reduce the risk of aspiration.
Since meals may not be as pleasurable as they used to be, try to enhance the other aspects of a meal together. Remember to slow down. Play quiet music in the background and enjoy conversation.
Keep things simple:
- use a solid color plate
- keep choices simple. (We have ham or turkey. Would you like turkey?)
- remember to eat slowly and not rush
- offer healthy sweets such as yogurt or fruit
I hope you found something helpful in this post. Eating healthy is so important to both the person you care for and for you!
There is much truth in keeping things simple in our spiritual food as well.
- choose a setting that offers less distraction
- choose a verse or passage to focus in on for the day
- take your time and do not rush
- offer God your best
Be blessed and be safe.
Word for Today
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Our Wonderful and Loving Heavenly Father,
Help us to remember to taste and see that you are good. We tend to get so busy and overwhelmed that we neglect our time for You. We tend to tune in to the news and not listen to what You have to say.
Today I come to You ready to experience the goodness you have for me. Nourish my soul and fill me with your refreshing. Slake my thirst for you and let me leave different than I was. Let me go back into the world with your love flowing out of me.
Amen
Walking Them Home 