• Difficulties with swallowing
• Poorly fitted dentures or some type of mouth discomfort
• Side effects of medication
• Inability to recognize hunger
• Inability to recognize difference between food and non-food items
• Depression
• Some medical conditions
• Losing interest in food, or hoarding food
• Forgetting to eat

• Encourage person to sit up straight with head slightly forward
• Present the food no more than 24 “ away from the person
• Encourage self-feeding at beginning of meal and then help feeding as
   the meal progresses
• Or help feeding at beginning of the meal and then encourage
   self-feeding as meal progresses
• Give only one utensil to use
• Give bowl instead of a plate
• Use spill-proof plate, plate guard, or scoop plate
• Use wet washcloth or Dycem placemat under dishes to avoid spilling
• Allow enough time between bites

 Environmental aspects of eating:

• Avoid distractions and noise such as conversation, television or radio
• Keep the table setting simple, remove everything from the table that has nothing to do with eating (e.g. centerpiece, flowers, papers) 
• Use unbreakable plates, bowls, and cups Avoid tablecloths, placements, plates and cups with a pattern on it 
• Use plain colored dishes with a contrasting colored tablecloth or placemat 
• Make sure there is enough light to see the food 
• Try relaxing music to encourage eating/feeding 
• Tips to increase or maintain good eating habits: 
• Offer meals at regular times and in the same place 
• Have several small meals instead of three large meals 
• Have the main meal in the morning or early afternoon 
• Offer liquids frequently, and at room temperature 
• Offer a variety of food, since a person’s food preferences may change over time
• Offer finger food or food in bite size pieces
• Offer food that does not require much chewing 
• Offer food at the right temperature 
• Thicken liquids with food thickeners