A nurse in a long-term care facility is concerned that a 94-year-old resident with dementia is losing weight. Upon assessment, the nurse notes that the resident, who is able to self-feed independently, consumes less than 50% of each of the meal trays. Which of the following strategies can the nurse utilize to improve this resident's intake? (Select all that apply.)

A. Assigning a nursing assistant to feed the resident is not appropriate in this case because the resident is able to self-feed. Encouraging independence is important for dignity and function. B. Altering the dining ambience to reduce distractions (e.g., lowering noise, reducing clutter) helps residents with dementia focus better on eating, which can improve intake. C. Assigning a nursing assistant to sit with the resident provides social interaction and gentle encouragement without taking away the resident’s independence. D. Serving finger foods can make it easier for residents with cognitive decline to eat more independently and comfortably. E. Serving one dish at a time helps avoid overwhelming the resident with too many choices, promoting better focus and intake.