Creating an enjoyable mealtime routine for persons living with dementia.
Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s is a daunting challenge for both family and professional caregivers. They are encouraged to develop a relationship bond with the person and cautioned not to surprise the seated person or to approach them from behind.
The Challenge in the Dining Room
Mealtimes present a unique challenge, as persons with Alzheimer’s often have difficulty following verbal instructions. In the process of being seated, they can become disoriented, confused, agitated, or balk at the assistance being offered.
When getting the person up to the table, a caregiver can be met with resistance, as the task of moving a person to the table surprises the seated person when the caregiver unexpectedly approaches from the behind.
The physical demands associated with moving a seated person (pushing-pulling-shoving-twisting) further hinders any opportunity to develop a relationship bond, as the caregiver’s primary focus is to exert whatever force is necessary to get the seated person suitably positioned at the table.
A Better Way
Chairs that swivel and lock eliminate table interference as the seat of the chair is swiveled 90 degrees away from the table. This allows full access to the seat of the chair for the person being seated. Once they are comfortably in the chair, they can release the swivel lock and rotate themselves towards the table.
Additionally, chairs that also roll and brake for safety can be moved even further from the table, providing increased clearance, should a second caregiver be required when transferring the person into the seat of the chair. Once seated, they can be rotated back towards the table, and the caregiver effortlessly glides them into position at the table before securing the brakes.
Chairs that Swivel…Turn…Roll…and Brake for safety:
- enhance a caregiver’s ability to develop a relationship with the seated person
- provide seniors with a greater sense of dignity and self-worth
- eliminate the need for caregivers to push-pull-shove-twist when offering mealtime assistance
- reduce mealtime stress and anxiety for both the seated person and the caregiver
- create a more enjoyable mealtime routine
Dining chairs recommended for people living with Alzheimer’s.
Swivel…Locks…
Swivels…Locks…Rolls…Brakes…