Tool Kit. Strategies to facilitate eating and swallowing in people living with early-stage dementia

40 6. Encourage the use of assistive devices, which are items used to improve functionality and facilitate activities. Assistive devices that can be used to enable eating will be described later, especially if handling utensils (spoon, fork, knife) is a factor that increases feeding time. 4. Another option if the person does not want to eat is to take a break, engage in an enjoyable activity, and try again later. 5. Avoid distractions such as background noise (TV or radio on) so that the person can concentrate more on their eating.