Strategies to Improve Hydration and Nutrition in Memory Care Settings

Maintaining proper hydration and nutrition is a constant priority in senior care, but it is especially critical in memory care programs. Physical limitations, cognitive decline, and medication side effects can all reduce a resident’s desire or ability to eat and drink, increasing the risk of dehydration and malnutrition. For this reason, memory care staff must take a proactive, hands-on approach to monitoring residents’ intake. Addressing these challenges successfully often requires both consistency in care routines and creativity in how food and fluids are offered.

Read on to discover practical strategies for encouraging hydration and nutrition in memory care, including ways to create supportive dining environments and equip staff with tools that help residents eat and drink more consistently throughout the day.

The Challenges of Hydration and Nutrition in Memory Care

Lisa Harkins, RD, LDN, registered dietitian at Barclay Friends

There are many reasons why memory care residents may eat and drink less. According to Lisa Harkins, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian at Barclay Friends, a senior living community in West Chester, Pennsylvania, memory care residents may forget to eat or drink or may be unable to communicate feelings of hunger or thirst. Behavioral changes such as agitation, wandering, and depression can further suppress appetite, while swallowing difficulties or diminished motor skills can make eating and drinking more challenging.

Sensory changes, such as altered taste, smell, or vision, as well as medication side effects can also contribute to reduced intake. Environmental factors, including loud noises, poor lighting, strong odors, and uncomfortable seating, may further interfere with residents’ ability or willingness to eat and drink.

Strategies to Encourage Hydration

Memory care programs can support hydration by incorporating multiple strategies throughout the day. Individualized reminders and hands-on assistance are often necessary, as residents may forget to drink or fail to recognize beverages due to cognitive impairment. “Staff should provide frequent, gentle reminders and offer drinks regularly throughout the day,” says Harkins. “Visual cues, such as placing water within easy reach and using brightly colored cups, can also help.”

Integrating hydration into daily routines can further reinforce healthy habits. Offering drinks during group activities, for example, helps normalize drinking and encourages participation. Keeping fluids accessible and visible at all times may also promote spontaneous drinking, since residents are more likely to consume beverages they can easily see and reach. “Offering a variety of beverages, including flavored waters, juices and herbal teas, can cater to different tastes and increase appeal,” says Harkins.

The type of cup used can significantly affect a resident’s ability to drink independently. For those with physical limitations or reduced fine motor skills, cups that are lightweight, easy to grip, and equipped with spill-resistant lids can make hydration more manageable. Options may include single- or double-handled cups, non-slip bases, and lids with or without straws. “Some of our residents even have a favorite drinking cup brought in by family members to help increase their fluid intake,” Harkins notes.

Equally important is staff training. Caregivers and dining team members should be able to recognize signs of dehydration, monitor fluid intake, and use supportive communication techniques. Creating a calm, familiar, and distraction-free dining environment also helps residents stay focused on eating and drinking, supporting overall hydration and nutrition.

Best Practices to Promote Nutrition

A thoughtful evaluation of the dining environment plays an important role in supporting proper nutrition in memory care. Programs should consider their resident population, physical space, and staffing model to ensure meals are being served in ways that best meet residents’ needs. Different service styles, such as family-style dining or room service, may be more effective for certain residents, allowing communities to meet individuals where they are.

Maintaining a variety of foods and beverages throughout the day is another essential practice, particularly for residents who may not be awake or willing to sit during scheduled mealtimes. This flexibility allows staff to offer nourishment when residents are most receptive. “Hand-held food items can be provided for those who may have difficulty using traditional utensils or even adaptive equipment or are ‘wanderers’ so they can eat ‘on the go,’” she says.

Understanding residents’ food and beverage preferences is equally important, as familiarity and personal choice can encourage better intake. Residents may be able to share these preferences themselves, or staff can gather insight from family members and loved ones. “Our menus and snacks are planned with resident and caregiver input through regular Dining Committee meetings and consistent communication with loved ones,” she explains.

Offering nutrient-dense options can further support both calorie and fluid intake. Barclay Friends offers fruit smoothies made with water or milk, popsicles, and ice water to help increase calorie and fluid intake. The community also uses commercial nutritional supplements like Ensure or Boost.

“Calorie-free flavored waters are always a hit and tend to increase intake versus plain water,” says Harkins. “Fresh water should be readily available with ice, if preferred.” Squeezing fresh fruits like limes or lemons into the water can also encourage drinking, though communities should be careful to remove any seeds.

Preparing Staff to Recognize Issues

In addition to training staff to recognize signs of dehydration and accurately monitor intake, it is essential to involve the appropriate team members when concerns arise. If a resident experiences difficulty eating, decreased intake, or unintended weight loss, interdisciplinary professionals, including therapists, a dietitian, and a medical provider, should be notified. These team members can assess the resident’s needs and recommend targeted, supportive interventions.

Although challenges related to hydration and nutrition are common in memory care settings, a proactive and coordinated approach can significantly reduce risks. By equipping staff with the skills to identify early warning signs and respond promptly, communities can help ensure residents remain well hydrated and receive the nutrition they need. Together, these practices create a comprehensive strategy that consistently encourages eating and drinking throughout the day.

Paige Cerulli

Paige Cerulli is a contributing writer to i Advance Senior Care.