Improving mealtimes for people in aged care: The role of occupational therapy

A sense of independence can greatly improve a person’s quality of life, particularly for people in residential aged care. But for some, such as people living with dementia, it can be challenging to do simple daily tasks, like taking part in mealtimes. Occupational therapists (OTs) help people to maintain function and be more independent at mealtimes. They also help remove barriers that may affect a person’s ability to connect, make choices and enjoy their dining experience.

This month we recognise Occupational Therapy Week, which runs from 21–27 October. The theme for this year is Celebrating 80 Years of Connection! To highlight the important role OTs play for people in residential aged care, we spoke to some OTs. They told us about the ways they support people in residential aged care to enjoy their mealtimes. These include:

prescribing mealtime equipment such as non-slip mats, modified cutlery and crockery
making sure people are correctly positioned so that they’re seated in a stable and comfortable way
coming up with strategies to involve residents in preparing meals – such as setting the table or peeling vegetables. This can help to improve their skills and give them a sense of purpose
supporting people living with dementia to use memory supports like labels or signs to get them to the table or ready for the meal
providing rehabilitation to help older people keep feeding themselves
looking at a person’s cultural and religious beliefs and practices about mealtimes.

Things you can do to encourage people to be independent and help them enjoy their mealtimes

Maximising flavour: Improve meals by having condiments like salt, pepper, chutney and different sauces available. Use seasonal fruits and vegetables to boost taste.
Serving familiar foods: Providing dishes that older people recognise and love, as well as considering cultural and religious preferences, helps people to feel comfortable during meals.
Making sure is appealing: Serving food so it looks attractive and is an appealing temperature can affect appetite and enjoyment.
Inviting family and friends: Encouraging people to be social during mealtimes improves the experience and supports a sense of community.

The importance of mealtimes

In residential aged care, a person’s daily routine around food changes significantly. Mealtimes become important opportunities for engaging and maintaining independence. OTs encourage people to take part in familiar tasks as a way to improve mood and give people a sense of control.