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Taking Dementia Out to Eat
Have you wanted to take your parent out to dinner or lunch but fear held you back because they suffer from dementia? Do you fear it will overwhelm them and create an issue? For some with dementia, taking them out of their environment into some place new and with many people may in fact prove too overwhelming and cause a major setback. However, for those who have a loved one not in such a severe state, this blog is for you. Changing up the daily routine at mealtime could be fun for your parent, especially if they love food like I do. It is possible it could become a new routine say once or month or so and something you both look forward to. It could be a nice birthday celebration for them or be able to include them in your birthday celebration with family. In order for things to go smoothly there are a few things to consider when taking them out to dinner. First, choose a restaurant that is not terribly busy and busting with people, loud music and conversations as this can create some anxiety/distress. Choose a quieter atmosphere and ask for a booth. Booths are more enclosed and can provide some safety from falls but can also help make them feel safer by not being out on display in the middle of everyone. This helps them be able to focus on who they are with better, cutting down the distractions some. Second, I would encourage you to carefully and privately let your server know you are with a dementia patient. Privately and away from your loved one so as not to embarrass them. They should not know you are doing this. This will help the server to be a bit more compassionate and patient and if there is any odd behavior, they’ll not be so surprised by it. a third thing to consider is the restaurant that offers their favorite dishes. If they are far enough in the disease where making a decision is impossible, you can suggest 2 dishes to your loved one that you know they will enjoy and let them choose. For them, there isn’t even a need to address the menu with them. Too many decisions can cause distress.
Make this a favorable activity for everyone, especially your parent(s). This is a great opportunity to take a few pictures and create new memories all while filling them with joy, and you as well.