A guide to understanding dementia 17 What do I do if they don’t want to eat the food I have prepared for them? Many people struggle to eat and drink properly when suffering from dementia – and many will refuse the meal that is being presented to them. Wherever possible, cook food that you know they like. Explain what the food is and, if necessary, how to prepare or eat it. Try different flavours and preparation methods to stimulate their appetite, and choose colourful food that is easily identifiable. If they refuse food in the first instance, don’t be afraid to try again later in the day. He/she won’t let me take care of their personal needs – what do I do? Understandably, many people will feel uncomfortable or embarrassed when they are being cared for. This can lead to distress when addressing many aspects of personal care, including washing and bathing. They should be encouraged to do as much for themselves as they can, as this will help them feel capable and independent. The key to managing their personal needs is to try various approaches until you find one that suits their needs. Perhaps you could wash at the same time to make them feel less self-conscious? Or maybe you could introduce wet wipes in the first instance to help them feel more at ease? Q Q