Experts with the National Council of Dementia Minds say it’s important not to exclude persons living with dementia from going out to eat because they need socialization and often feel isolated.
“It matters both for the person living with dementia as well as their care partner. We are social beings, and these opportunities are so important.”
Brenda Roberts is the Executive Director of the Council, and her husband is living with dementia.
She says when making dinner reservations at a restaurant for a group that includes someone living with dementia, simplify the experience by choosing a restaurant with a simple menu, providing the menu ahead of time, or pre-ordering meals.
The person might even eat ahead of time to better focus on socializing with friends.
“Multi-tasking for many people living with dementia is difficult. The ability to eat and socialize is hard for them so if they’ve already eaten, they can just have an hors d’oeuvre or a drink, then they can participate in the visiting and not have all those decisions.”
Roberts suggests choosing a calm, quiet venue with good lighting and easy navigation, informing restaurant staff in advance, and asking for a table away from high-traffic, loud noise or a busy kitchen.
‘Don’t stop doing what you love, maybe just do it differently. Figure out a way to make it work.”
For more resources, visit dementiaminds.org.
