A practical guide to dementia-friendly mealtime

Dementia can affect how a person recognises food, uses cutlery and makes sense of their surroundings. Noise, distractions and poor contrast can also make eating more difficult.

Research shows the dining environment and the way a person is supported matter. A few small changes can make it much easier for people to eat and drink independently.  

Even simple adjustments can have a big positive impact. Here are some simple ways to create a more positive dining experience.

Lighting and visibility

• Reduce shadows by using soft, diffuse overhead lighting and additional side lighting if needed
• Position the person so light shines onto the plate, not into their eyes
• Use bowls or plates with a raised rim to improve visibility and scooping control
• Minimise glare by avoiding shiny table surfaces, placing a matte placemat under the plate
• Keep curtains/blinds adjusted to prevent strong backlighting during day meals

Sound and atmosphere

• Seat people away from kitchen noise and traffic  
• Allow residents extra time to start eating before serving the next course
• Give verbal reassurance, such as “Take your time, there’s no rush”
• Check in with residents to ask if they’re ready before clearing plates
• Try to avoid loud noises when clearing plates and doing dishes during mealtimes

Seating and table set-up

• Position the person so they can sit close to the table with elbows comfortably resting on it
• Use non‑slip placemats to stabilise plates and reduce the effort needed to eat
• Adjust chair or table height using cushions or foot blocks if needed
• Keep commonly used items (cutlery, napkins, drink) in the same predictable place each day
• Offer adaptive utensils (e.g. built‑up handles, angled cutlery) if appropriate
• Ensure wheelchairs have brakes engaged and footplates removed if they prevent close table access

Social connection

• Greet each person by name and personally introduce to others at the table when needed
• Use simple conversation cues to prompt natural engagement
• Use small group tables (2-4 people) for quieter, more manageable social interaction
• Invite families to stay for tea or dessert or offer a companion meal for family or a familiar staff member
• Notice social fatigue and offer a quieter seat if the person becomes overwhelmed

Presentation and dignity

• Ensure meals are served at the correct temperature to maintain flavour and appeal
• Plate food neatly with clear separation between components
• Use garnishes or small presentation touches (e.g. shaping purées to resemble original foods)
• Offer napkins or clothing protectors only if the person wishes
• Discreetly clean spills or crumbs from clothes or face  

Keep learning about positive mealtimes

If you’d like to learn more about supporting residents to eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet, Nutrition and Dementia: Food for Thought is an eLearning course that gives you practical strategies to support good nutrition, independence and connection for people living with dementia.

Explore this and other evidence-based Dementia Australia courses for health professionals, aged care workers and family carers on Go1