The Academy of Fabulous Stuff | 25 March 2021| Menu specifically for people living with dementia
A tasty new menu specifically for patients living with dementia has been launched by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT).
Dianne Smith, Dementia Matron for UHMBT, has been working closely with colleagues from the Catering Teams and Dietitians at all three of the Trust’s main hospital sites to develop a menu that is even more ‘dementia friendly’ for patients.
As people with dementia can often find it difficult to eat a full meal, Dianne and the team have revamped the existing menu and incorporated more tempting ‘finger foods’ and mouth-watering snacks. Dianne and collaegue Hannah presented their idea of menu for patients with dementia at the National Dementia Congress in Birmingham and the concept is now widely used to support patients living with dementia. Examples of options on the menu include a ‘spicy box’ with samosas, onion bhajis and other treats, a ‘picnic plate’ with delicious sandwiches, mini quiches and more, as well as hot finger foods such as burgers and mini pies.
Dianne said: “People living with dementia can find it hard to eat much at one time. Finger foods aren’t as over-facing as a three course meal. It helps people to be more independent and to feel relaxed. It also promotes self-care and makes meal times less challenging.
“It can be hard for people with dementia to use cutlery so finger foods are ideal. Finger foods help people to eat little and often which is more manageable for them and, together with snacks, it keeps up their calorie intake. We consulted with numerous people over the new menu and asked what they wanted. We’ve had great feedback from patients, families, carers and ward staff who have all said they like the options on the new menu.”
Adapted from news story Menu specifically for people living with dementia