Helping Mom to Eat

RajK

Hi My mother is 78years old and refusing to eat food.  We have been trying various solids but does not want to eat, but she is ok to medications. Looking for advise from other caregivers on the options and techniques to help her eat.  Questions:

1. What are ways to improve her appetite?

2.  What are alternatives to solid foods that are a good meal replacement?

3.  How do we know what they are eating/drinking is enough?

4.  Are there any ways/technique to handle the aggression?

RanchersWife

Hi Rajk,

My mil didn’t eat much yesterday. I backed off today and left the food on the table. She eventually wandered by and ate all of her lunch. Sometimes it’s about letting them have control and letting them figure out what is going on. Taking the shower at a slower rate is helping too. She needed to process that she was a mess and needed a shower. I don’t know if this is where you guys are but giving more time to process has helped me today. 

loveskitties

Hi,

You didn't mention her medical condition and where she likely is in the progression.  That will help in the suggestions you get.  Have you mentioned this to her doctor?

Patients early to mid dementia will often take cues from others about eating...what they eat, how they use utensils, etc.  Is anyone sitting down with her to eat as well as serving her?

Later stages will often eat with their fingers.  So the type of food needs to be ones which can be picked up without utensils.

You say she takes meds so I gather she tolerates liquids.  Ensure or other such product would be my suggestion for getting some nutrition, but you should always check with her doctor.

The appetite does decrease, particularly for the inactive patient.  Some days my dad will only have a few bites and declare himself full.  Other days he will eat all that is offered and then a short time later ask for more food.  

RajK

My mother has these pre-existing conditions - congestive heart failure, poor vision due to cataract(pre-ops and surgery was scheduled 6 months in advance for Oct), hearing issue.  She is petite and ate very little even when she was normal before her heart attack in 2011.  She was fine until 2 months ago when we were going through Dr visits etc.  Suddenly in the last 3 weeks, she suddenly switched to speak in a one of the languages she knows and reduced eating further, getting agitated, anger etc. We spoke to Dr and was prescribed for anti-depressant(started couple of days back) and Xanax.  It is her food and drink intake that is concerning us as rest of them, we can somehow deal with it.  It is putting lot of toll on us and trying to figure out on how to help her.

harshedbuzz

In what stage is she?

If she's gone off eating and has already had a significant weight loss (~10%), it might be prudent to scrub the upcoming surgery and refer to hospice for an evaluation. Many PWD lose their appetites as they move into the final stages of the disease. My aunt did this several times before she finally moved into active dying.

At a certain point, it becomes about getting calories/fluids in. Ensure and Boost might be one option. Milk shake smoothies can be another option that might be enjoyed. My aunt loved treats until the end, my aunt liked those Belvita Breakfast cookies.

RajK

Sorry for the delayed response.  Based on Dr recommendation, we started giving twice a day anti-depressant.  This seems have to helped her become calmer, she is now doing normal things like hygiene stuff, eating solids, drinking coffee, walking, climbing stairs etc.  Some of these require prompting her.   Pray to God that it continues and she can lead a good life.