My team and I are pushing to train more dementia friendly restaurants.

I love eating, and I love it even more when other people make the food and bring it to me. If you ask me about a recent trip, the first thing I will talk about is where I ate. If you ask me about my hobbies, it’s unlikely I won’t mention food. If you ask me what I enjoy doing with my friends, eating and drinking is up there.

And, although my husband is a pretty good cook, I am not a cook at all. It’s not surprising that I enjoy a good restaurant meal.

I would dare to say that most people like eating at a restaurant, at least once in a while, and there’s no reason that those with dementia would feel differently.

I feel strongly that those with dementia should be able to thrive and participate in the community as long as they are able to.

Let’s make sure that restaurants understand the small changes they can make to assure that those with dementia are as comfortable as possible while dining out.

There are some things we can do as family members to provide a positive dining experiences as well.

Let’s talk about some ideas:

Choose the Right Restaurant: Opt for a place that is quiet, familiar, and not too crowded. A calm environment can help reduce anxiety and confusion.

Pick the Best Time: Go during their best time of day, which is often earlier when they are more alert. You can also avoid busier times at the restaurant.

Make Reservations: To avoid long waits, make a reservation. This can help reduce anxiety and ensure a smoother dining experience.

Simplify Choices: Help them with the menu by suggesting a couple of familiar options. Too many choices can be overwhelming.

Be Patient and Flexible: Allow extra time for everything, from ordering to eating. Be prepared to leave early if they become tired or agitated. You can always ask for boxes!

Check Bathroom Accessibility: Ensure the restaurant’s bathrooms are easily accessible and suitable for your loved one’s needs.

Keep the Group Small: Large groups can be overwhelming. A small, intimate group can create a more comfortable and manageable environment for your loved one with dementia.

Ask for Seating Preferences: Ask your loved one which seat at the table they prefer. This can help them feel more comfortable and in control.

Understand Changing Tastes: Be aware that what used to taste good might not taste good anymore. Be flexible with their food preferences.

Inform the Waiter: If it would be helpful, discreetly mention your loved one’s cognitive decline to the waiter.

Consider Parking: Check if you can drop them off close to the door if there are mobility issues.

Implementing these strategies can enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia. By making small adjustments, we can help them continue to enjoy activities they love, such as dining out. 

If you know of any great restaurants in northeast Iowa that I might have missed in my dining experiences, let me know.

I also spend a lot of time in St. Louis for my job—so I’ll take recommendations in that area as well.

You should know I don’t do spicy food.

And that I don’t discriminate against hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

Finally, if you know of any Iowa restaurants who would like to do a training and become dementia friendly, email us at dementia.simulation@uni.edu.

We’d love to help.