entity.node.canonical

Our people

Press & Media 

Barchester's Charitable Foundation

Barchester Specialist Services

Care homes

adobe_express_-_file-e2164f9c-2d3b-4b89-ae38-6add5688c797.jpeg

Our Care & Support

Dementia Care

Nursing Care

Residential Care

Respite Care

Mental Health Hospitals 

Independent Living

Types of care

Help and advice

activity_baking_colour_edit_no-1dad672a-e87f-4fbd-83ba-1fe49681c5e2.jpeg

Life with Barchester 

Barchester's Hospitality Services

Activities

Celebrating life at Barchester

Supporting and involving family and friends

Major Refurbishment Programme

Environment

<nolink>

Barchester Life

supporting-families-362a974d-1e6f-445a-a46e-2ddda38f24af.jpeg

Our People

Our Staff

Brooke French's Story

Melanie Cooper's Story

Stuart Wills' Story

Volunteers

Read about our people	

People

bhc2022-life-enrichment-253-be517031-e070-4e11-abc0-4bd2d81d27d7.jpeg

About Barchester 

Why Barchester Healthcare

Barchester Care Awards 2026 - Categories

Barchester Care Awards Rules for Entry

Barchester Care Awards 2024 Divisional Winners

Barchester Care Awards 2025 Divisional Winners

Barchester Care Awards

News

About 

Careers

quality-assurance-eb3290ba-7f87-4f3d-9107-e06726ff1630.jpeg

Contact Us 

Contact 

General Enquiry

Complaints & Compliments 

Media Enquiries

Contact

Resident Contract Terms

Admission Form - July 2023

Code of Conduct

Gender Pay Gap Report 2021/22

Gender Pay Gap Report 2022/23

Gender Pay Gap Report 2023/24

Environmental, Social and Governance Commitment

UK Tax Strategy

Modern Slavery Statement

Privacy Statement for Employees

Privacy Statement for Employees' Relatives

Privacy Statement for Relatives, Friends and Carers of Residents and Patients

Privacy Statement for Residents & Patients

Privacy Statement for Enquirers

Privacy Statement for Agency Workers

Privacy Statement for Students

Privacy Statement for Volunteers

Privacy Statement for Business Contacts

Record requests and SARs

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Find a care home

Types of care 

Help and advice 

Careers at Barchester 

Contact and complaints

<p>Regular intake of meals is typically a challenge for people living with dementia. A <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2020.604488/full">2020 review</a> on eating behaviour in dementia indicates eating pattern changes often start slowly and are related to memory decline. Because your brain controls your appetite, it’s very easy for people living with dementia to forget to eat, lose their appetite or spit out food. It's important that we are aware of the tips and tricks to stimulate appetite in the elderly, especially those with dementia, as it can cause a host of adverse effects, such as weight loss and weakness, if action is not taken.&nbsp;</p><p>Lead with kindness. People don’t do this out of stubbornness, so punishing them certainly won't help. Below, we’ll explore ways on how to increase appetite in elderly people living with dementia.</p><h2>Create a routine</h2><p>Serve meals at a consistent time and in a place that is familiar to the person living with dementia. Being consistent with mealtimes gives them a sense of security and predictability and reduces anxiety. Over time, the habit of eating around a certain time will be reinforced, stimulating their appetite around that time due to their body being trained to recognise what time they’ll be eating around.</p><h2>Finger food</h2><p>People living with dementia may become overwhelmed with sitting down and eating plated meals, not want to eat meals at a set time, or prefer to eat and move around. Try <a href="https://www.barchester.com/help-and-advice/list-finger-food-ideas-people-living-dementia">finger food</a> such as fish sticks, falafel, and fruit on sticks—foods like this are easier to hold, and this means that people who move around often or find it difficult to sit at the table for long can still eat. You can also try making full meals into finger food by transforming them into sandwiches or cutting them up into smaller pieces before presenting them to a loved one.</p><h2>Encourage snacking</h2><p>Because dementia and loss of appetite go hand in hand, encouraging snacking is a good way to stimulate appetite. The sight of large meals may be unpleasant for people with dementia. Offering snacks may seem more appealing due to their smaller size, coupled with the perception that they are easier to eat. It’s a good idea to offer snacks throughout the day so they can receive a substantial amount of nutrients and energy, little and often.</p><h2>Fortify meals</h2><p>According to the NHS, when someone is at risk of undereating, it is recommended that they <a href="https://bucksoxonberksw.icb.nhs.uk/media/5031/bob-icb-eating-and-drinking-for-people-with-dementia-v10.pdf">fortify their meals</a>. This means making their meals nutrient-dense by adding additional ingredients such as protein to increase the calories of a meal while keeping the food appealing and easy to eat. Protein-rich options such as eggs, cheese, and yoghurt can support muscles and overall health. Healthy fats such as butter and cream are also recommended. Although this doesn’t meet all healthy eating guidelines, the aim is to prevent further weight loss.</p><h2>Use drinkable meals</h2><p>People with dementia may find it difficult to swallow, making drinkable meals a great alternative. Drinkable meals, such as smoothies, are a good way to pack vegetables, fruits and protein without having to chew, making it easier for people to take in nutrients. Spices like vanilla or cinnamon can make the drink more enjoyable or appealing – check with your loved one what spices they would prefer. If possible, you should serve it in a familiar cup or one they like to encourage people to drink it.</p><h2>Suggest stimulants</h2><p>There’s a range of medications to increase appetite in elderly people for dementia, which are known as appetite stimulants. These could be considered when someone isn’t consuming enough nutrients. However, it’s best to try natural methods to increase appetite before opting for stimulants. You should consult with a doctor and make sure they are being monitored, as appetite stimulants can cause side effects in some people and should not be used long-term.</p><h2>Experiment with different food temperatures</h2><p>People with dementia may want to experience their food differently from what they are used to. They may prefer eating cold foods over hot foods, for example, responding better to yoghurts and fruits over hot meals like soups or potatoes. It's important to keep this in mind and adjust to their preferences to ensure an enjoyable eating experience, which will encourage them to eat. Make sure you test the temperature of foods before serving, as a person with dementia might not recognise if their food is too hot to eat.</p><h2>Further help:</h2><p>Here is a list of resources available to help support people experiencing dementia and loss of appetite.&nbsp;</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/eating-living-alone?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA8Lu9BhA8EiwAag16b_UGj2lSSN3vds0gn7yvUkrrHNlcpWpES0uF2T-mP61xzz9hufOyNhoC5J8QAvD_BwE&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">Meal preparation</a></li><li><a href="https://www.barchester.com/help-and-advice/dementia-carers-support-guide">Dementia support guide</a></li><li><a href="https://www.barchester.com/help-and-advice/healthy-diet-someone-living-dementia">Maintaining a healthy diet for people with dementia</a></li><li><a href="https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/download/clientfiles/files/Patient Information Leaflets/Clinical Support Services/Dietetics/Dementia care- A practical guide to eating and drinking.pdf">A practical guide to eating and drinking</a></li><li><a href="https://www.nhsglos.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PrescQipp-fortified-diet-guidance-book-for-care-home-caterers.pdf">Fortified diets</a></li></ul><p>We make sure each and every person in our care eats well. You can <a href="https://www.barchester.com/contact-us">call us</a> at any time to see how we can support your loved one living with dementia. We’ll always be happy to help.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

Discover effective tricks to stimulate appetite in people living with dementia, ensuring proper nutrition and enhancing their overall well-being.

Stimulating appetite for people with dementia | Barchester

Tricks to stimulate appetite for people living with dementia

Acquired brain injury care

Care and services provided

Bariatric care

Boutique care

Respite / Short stay

Complex Dementia care

Dementia care

Day care

Huntington's disease care

Independent living apartments

Intermediate care

Nursing care

Learning disability services

Mental health services

Mental health services - hospital care

Multiple sclerosis care

Neuro rehabilitation service

Nursing Dementia care

Palliative care

Parkinson's disease care

Physical disability services

Residential care

Residential Dementia care

Services for under 65s

Spinal injury care

Stroke care

Young onset Dementia care

Younger physical disabilities

CIW Status - Awel Y Mor

CIW Status - Bryn Ivor Lodge

CIW Status - Hafan Y Coed

CIW Status - LLys Y Tywysog

CIW Status - Plas Y Dderwen

Closed - Begbrook House - Re-Development

Closed - Camellia House - Re-Development

Newbuild - Bayleaf - Open

Newbuild - Chantry Manor - Coming Soon

Newbuild - Darcy Gardens - Now Open

Newbuild - Elderwood House - Coming Soon

Newbuild - Farley Gardens - Open

Newbuild - Felbridge Manor - Coming Soon

Newbuild - Iverley View - Open

Newbuild - Lotus Manor - Open

Newbuild - Orchid Place - Coming Soon

Newbuild - Port Manor - Open

Newbuild - Stonebridge Manor - Coming Soon

Newbuild - Stoneham Grove - Open

Newbuild - Stubbington Manor - Coming Soon

Newbuild - Wakehurst Hall - Coming Soon

Newbuild - Weystone Manor - Coming Soon

Newbuild - Whitewater Place - Coming Soon

Special Offer - Boroughbridge - 4 for 3

Special Offer - Braeburn Lodge - 3 for 2

Special Offer - Ouse View - 3 for 2

Special Offer - Queens Manor - 3 for 2