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Caregiving: Helping Someone With Eating

Table of Contents


Overview

A person who is getting care at home may need help with eating. When helping them eat, be patient and give the person plenty of time. Let the person do as much on their own as possible. This can help them feel more independent when having meals.

You can help by encouraging the person to eat whenever they are hungry. If the person has had a stroke or has swallowing problems, dental problems, or problems with thinking or memory, you may have to provide extra help with eating and getting enough nutrition. If the person has trouble swallowing, then your doctor, a dietitian, or a speech therapist can give you specific instructions to help with eating.

Meals can be a great way to spend time together. Eat with each other if you can. You may want to play soft music or have your phone or the TV turned off. Try to create a pleasant mood during the meal.

Encouraging a good appetite

The person you're caring for may have a low appetite or need some encouragement to eat regularly. Try to offer food more often, including snacks throughout the day. Ask what foods the person you're caring for likes best. Offer those foods when you can.

Preparing for a meal

Before the meal, there may be some things you can do ahead of time that will make it easier for the person to eat. For example, if the person has trouble with grip, provide large-handled forks, spoons, knives, and cups that are easy to hold. Use mats and plates that won't slip. And if preparing to eat takes a long time, be sure to keep the food at a preferred temperature.

You may need to prepare food that's easier to chew and swallow. Here are a few things to try:

Helping during the meal

When you help someone eat, it helps to let them know how you plan to help throughout the meal. If the person has trouble hearing or understanding, use gestures to help you communicate. Make sure that you position yourself so that you're in front of the person and able to make eye contact. Don't stand over the person. It could make them feel uncomfortable.

Here are some other things to remember:


Credits for Caregiving: Helping Someone With Eating

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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