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

51 6. Use of non-slip placemats: helps prevent spills caused by plate and utensil movements such as silicone placemats. 7. For individuals with hyperphagia (eating too quickly): use smaller utensils (cups, spoons, and plates) to visually increase portion sizes. 8. Use plain placemats and tablecloths: avoid complex patterns or designs (preferably single-colored and contrasting) to minimize distractions or perception difficulties, such as visual illusions of the table moving or appearing to have holes. 5. Reduce distance between plate and person: for instance, using a raised base for the plate to prevent spills or difficulties in transferring food from plate to mouth.