I was once having lunch with someone in the early stages of dementia. The menu was overwhelming—tiny font, too many choices, and clever descriptions with jargon that made it hard to tell what anything actually was.

He looked at the server, panicked.
“I’ll have… um…”
He trailed off. She looked impatient. Finally, she rolled her eyes, mumbled she’d come back later, and walked away.
He looked embarrassed.

And my heart broke a little.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Restaurants can be more than just a place to eat. They can be a place where someone with dementia still feels like they belong. Where a caregiver doesn’t have to brace for judgment. Where lunch feels… like lunch.

Here’s how you can help make that happen if you work in the restaurant industry:

(Note–There are a lot of other ways to be dementia friendly….these are just a few ideas to get you thinking!):

Keep the Menu Simple

Big fonts. Easy words. High contrast. Pictures help, too. It’s not about dumbing anything down—it’s about making sure more people can enjoy their meal without stress.

Be Mindful of Noise

Too much noise—whether it’s clanking dishes, loud conversations, or loud background music (is loud background music an oxymoron?) —can be overwhelming for someone with dementia. Keep music low and calming. Skip the playlists that feel like a nightclub at noon. Soft instrumental or acoustic tunes work well. If you have a quieter section of the restaurant, that’s a great place to seat guests who might benefit from a calmer environment.

Be Patient

Some folks might need a little more time to order. They might repeat themselves. Or lose their words. A little patience and a calm voice can go a long way.

Reassure people that there is no need to rush. Try saying “Take your time—I’m happy to help.”

Don’t roll your eyes when someone takes a bit longer to order. Stay tuned in and engaged.

Those small things? They mean the world.

Don’t Be Cute with Bathroom Signs

Please don’t make people decode “Lads” and “Dames” or try to read cursive signs in dim lighting. Stick with the classics signs and symbols for restrooms. Use clear, bold print and—if possible—include images. When someone has to urgently find a restroom, clarity is kindness.

Let People Know They’re Welcome

People with dementia still want to go out to eat. They still want pancakes. And coffee. And birthday dinners. And connection.

So if you’re a restaurant owner, manager, or server—thank you for considering this. Thank you for thinking beyond what’s easy or efficient. Thank you for setting the table for everyone.

I know not everyone enjoys eating out–but it is one of my favorite things to do. And I know many people feel that way. If we want people living with dementia to thrive in their communities as long as possible, we need to think about how to make restaurants more dementia friendly.

If you’re in Iowa and want to become a Dementia Friendly Restaurant, contact us at dementia.simulation@uni.edu. We’d love to help!