Five Mealtime Supplies for Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregivers
About 48% of all family caregivers provide help to loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Caring for someone with a neurodegenerative condition presents many challenges, but mealtimes can be especially difficult. Dementia and Alzheimer’s often affect fine motor skills and trigger sensory changes, making safe and comfortable eating a top priority.
To help make your caregiving role easier, we’ve created a shoppable list of essential mealtime supplies. This guide also highlights some common mealtime challenges in dementia care and links to additional resources.
Understanding Mealtime Struggles: 6 Challenges for Dementia Caregivers
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affect your loved one’s cognitive, physical, and emotional health. The changes they experience can lead to various food and eating-related obstacles, including:
1. Loss of appetite and changes in taste
Up to 81% of Alzheimer’s patients experience appetite changes and eating disturbances. These changes vary in severity but can affect your loved one’s interest in and enjoyment of food. Some people lose their appetite completely, while others become more selective. Regardless, these changes can make it hard to prepare nourishing meals that your loved one wants to eat.
2. Difficulty with fine motor skills
People in the later stages of dementia often lose their fine motor skills, making it hard to hold cups, use utensils, or bring food to their mouths without spilling.
3. Sensory changes
Alzheimer’s and dementia can affect the areas of the brain responsible for interpreting smell and taste. These changes may alter your loved one’s perception of certain foods and drinks, turning them off to items they used to love.
4. Swallowing difficulties (Dysphagia)
Many people experience difficulty swallowing as neurodegenerative conditions worsen. Since this increases the risk of choking and aspiration, you may need to serve purees or use food and drink thickeners to help your loved one eat safely.
5. Confusion
Cognitive confusion is a common side effect in the later stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia. For example, your loved one might ask why everyone is sitting down at the dinner table or have trouble recognizing the food on their plate. These responses are perfectly normal but can make mealtimes more stressful.
6. Emotional impact on caregivers
Proper nutrition is essential for good health, but if your loved one refuses to eat or becomes argumentative, providing them with the vitamins and nutrients they need can feel like an uphill battle. Additionally, cleaning up spills, encouraging your loved one to eat, and managing disruptive behaviors can be overwhelming. Having the right supplies can ease some of this frustration and make mealtimes easier.
How We Chose the Products On This List
The items featured on this list are a mix of our best-selling and top-rated mealtime supplies. We’ve included real customer feedback whenever possible, under the heading “Hear It From a User/Caregiver.”
5 Must-Have Mealtime Supplies for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers
Here are our five must-have mealtime supplies for dementia caregivers:
1. Beck’s Classic Reusable Bib, Snap-Closure
Spills are a common occurrence during meals, but if your loved one has Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, they can become a near-constant challenge. A high-quality bib can minimize cleanups while keeping clothing and linens, like tablecloths, stain-free and dry.
Key Benefits & Features
This bib is 18 x 34 inches providing excellent coverage.
The snap closure makes it easy to put on and take off.
The bold colors and plaid pattern help camouflage stains.
Hear It From a Caregiver: “This bib is a game changer!! [The] material is of great quality [and] very sturdy. My mom loves it and I love that I can keep her clean. I will be buying more of these [when] I get paid.” - Cassandra
Price: $13.19 - $89.00
2. Thick-It Clear Advantage Thickened Water
Difficulty swallowing can make drinking dangerous, increasing the risk of choking and aspiration. But proper hydration is essential. Thickened water provides a safe, effective way to quench your loved one’s thirst while reducing their choking risk. Thick water has a nectar-like consistency that’s easier to swallow but remains just as hydrating.
Key Benefits & Features
Thick water is ready to drink out of the bottle; no preparation is required.
Thick water is flavorless. It can be enjoyed alone or mixed with your loved one’s favorite hot or cold beverages.
Packaged in a convenient, resealable bottle, so you can stay hydrated on the go.
Hear It From a Caregiver: “My mom didn’t like the nectar water she was getting at the nursing home and would barely drink it. With this water, she drinks 3-4 of the 8 oz. bottles a day. Five stars.” - Melissa W.
Price: $7.05 - $48.46
3. Thick-It Food & Drink Thickener, Unflavored
Thick-It has been a caregiver favorite since 1987. The tasteless powder can be mixed into drinks, sides, main courses, and desserts, making it incredibly versatile. It makes it easy to achieve your desired food or beverage consistency allowing your loved one to swallow safely without choking.
Related Reading: How To Use Food and Drink Thickeners
Key Benefits & Features
Dissolves instantly in food or drink.
Thick-It is flavorless, so it doesn’t change the taste of what it's mixed into.
Reduces the risk of choking and aspiration. Provides peace of mind if your loved one has dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
Hear It From a Caregiver: “My husband has swallowing problems. He’s had two surgeries and chokes very easily. [Thick-It] food and drink thickener helps a lot!” - Gabriele T.
Price: $6.95 - $107.04
4. Power of Red, Utensil Set
This utensil set includes a bendable spoon, a bendable fork, and a rocker knife. The bright red handles stand out against various table settings, making it easier for those with visual perception issues to eat. The soft cushion grip is comfortable to hold and makes it easier for food to make it from the plate to your loved one’s mouth.
Key Benefits & Features
All of the utensils feature large, easy-to-grip handles.
The fork and spoon can be bent at any angle, allowing users with limited mobility to eat more comfortably.
The utensils are dishwasher safe and designed for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Related Reading: Mealtimes + Dementia: Pro Tips for Family Caregivers
Price: $36.13
5. Prevail Adult Wipes with Lotion, Unscented
Do you ever feel the need to bathe your loved one after a meal? Prevail adult wipes are here to help! Each wipe measures 12 x 8 inches and is made with hypoallergenic fabric, infused with aloe and vitamin E for skin wellness. They’re great to have on hand, whether cleaning up spills or wiping away that ring of pasta sauce around your loved one’s mouth.
Key Benefits & Features
Each package contains 48 adult wipes.
The wipes are unscented and made with soft, quilted fabric.
Alcohol and latex-free, so they’re great for people with sensitive skin.
Hear It From a Caregiver: “These [wipes] work really well, especially when there’s a mess.” - Karen B.
Price: $4.30 - $41.16
Get Fast, Free Shipping & 30% Off with Autoship
At Carewell, we believe caregiving supplies should be as affordable as possible! To facilitate that goal, we offer free shipping on all orders $49+. Signing up for Autoship can take those savings even further. All new Autoship enrollees get 30% off their first order and an additional 5% off future orders on qualifying products. For example, Prevail adult wipes.
Need Help? We’re Here For You!
Mealtime is different for every family. If you have questions about any of the products featured here, please get in touch. Our friendly Care Team speaks English and Spanish and is available 24/7. They can answer your questions and make product recommendations. Call (800) 696-2273 or email support@carewell.com.
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Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.