Make mealtime delicious and nutritious with these helpful tips
Leaves are Falling, Autumn is Calling!
Autumn is a time where leaves are falling, apples are ripening, and days are cooling. The best part about autumn? The food! In this month's newsletter you will be provided with practical and creative ways to find success at mealtime. Learn how important mealtime is for those with Alzheimer's and Dementia and how to make every meal nourishing and beneficial to your loved one's overall health.  
  • Developing healthy eating habits for those with dementia 
  • Key tips for making mealtime the best time!
  • Caregivers: Take Care
  • Craving something delicious? Easy to make fall recipes below
ActivCare is here to assist you with  caring for those with
memory loss. Have a question? 

Call us at  (562) 246-9690

Read on.
Fantastic Fall Moments Planned

Check out how we are going to be kicking off fall at ActivCare at Brittany House! Many fun fall memories are in store for this month. Click the link below for the September Calendar.  


Join us for the next Caregiver Support Group Meeting on  Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 4 pm.
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Developing Healthy Eating Habits for Those with Dementia

Meal times can be challenging for those caring for loved ones with dementia. Resistance to once-loved foods, a lack of appetite, confusion about eating utensils, and a decline in motor skills are a few issues that many caregivers run into when attempting to find success in meal times.

There are many reasons why dementia symptoms bring difficulties during meal times. Those with dementia may not remember how to feed themselves, they may experience difficulties with swallowing, there can be confusion in the steps involved with eating, and language problems can inhibit those with dementia from expressing hunger, thirst, and fullness. When those with memory loss do not get adequate amounts of nutrition they are at higher risk for infections, immune deficiencies, and a general decline in health.

Dementia symptoms can also affect hydration levels. Loved ones may no longer be able understand that they are thirsty. Dehydration causes an increased risk of urinary tract infections, constipation, low blood pressure, as well as increased dizziness.

Read more from a recent presentation by Alzheimer's Orange County.


Tips For Mealtime Success
  • The first step is observation. Observe when your loved one likes to eat and what setting is best for them. Setting loved ones up for success starts with timing and environment.
  • Start simple, let the table setting only include what they need and try not to overwhelm them with many different options of utensils.
  • Large portions can overwhelm those with dementia as well as foods that are difficult to cut.
  • Finger foods are the best option and even better if they are high-calorie and protein-rich.
  • Limit the number of different options that are provided for meals. Make the choices simple: chicken or meatloaf? Pasta or soup?
  • Promote independence through easy-to-grip utensils and cups with lids, offer assistance when you notice them becoming confused or upset.
Keys to Successful Mealtimes - from a presentation by Alzheimer's Orange County.

To The Caregiver: T ake Care!

As a family caregiver of someone with Alzheimer's or related dementia, you GIVE so much that it is easy to lose sight of you. But to provide optimum care, you need to learn how to be a careTAKER. Remember:
  • TAKE care of yourself. Your health and well-being (physically, mentally and emotionally) needs to be in top form to provide care!
  • TAKE the time to talk to a trusted friend. If you need to vent, check in, or just clear your head, rely on an ally or confidante.
  • TAKE up the offer to help. Jot a list of small tasks that will really help you out. If someone offers, ask them to run one of those errands or tasks.
  • TAKE a break. Go for a walk, watch the sunset, or take a nap. You need to recharge.
  • TAKE it from others. Visit a Caregiver Support Group to chat with others going through similar challenges. Not all groups are the same. Find one in which you feel at home.
Easy & Delicious Fall Recipes
ActivCare at Brittany House |  5401 E. Centralia Street | Long Beach, CA
(562) 246-9690 |   ActivCareLiving.com
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