Nutrition

Comrade

My DW is now refusing to eat and not because she cannot swallow. She is drinking less water, which has always been a mainstay.

I am scared, but gently encouraging by presenting food in different "manners".  For example, I toast a piece of bread, cut it in to 4 sections and put different jams or butter on each. However this also is not working. Nutrition drinks shared to show support are refused.

Visibly, I can see her 71 year old body becoming thinner and her skin becoming less elastic. 

None of her doctors can offer advice and I feel abandoned, when I need advice now. Giving up on her is not an option, but am not going to create anxiety if she won't work with or listen to or be able to help herself. This is dementia.

If anyone has an idea that is novel, I am all ears.

Ed1937

Comrade, sorry I don't have anything for you, but the helpline might give you some good ideas. 800.272.3900

jfkoc

Orange sherbet/apple sauce with protein powder was a main stay here.

Mint

Comrade this is not something I’ve had to deal with yet.  Know others have, so hope they will drop in.  Just a thought, you may have already tried this.  Leave a few small item setting out, for example cheese and crackers.  Don’t offer it, just let it set where she can see it.  Maybe she will nibble on it.  When it is gone replace with something else small.  Know some people get where they just sort of graze all day long.  Don’t forget all we can do is the best we can and that is good enough.

Memphisdee

My husband takes boost. Chocolate

ImMaggieMae

Camrade, my husband likes soft foods but can also manage some others. Favorite foods here are bananas, oatmeal with blueberries mixed in, apples cut in quarters are cored, home made stews with vegetables, beans minced meats and white or sweet potatoes. (Stews are great because a big pot lasts for a couple days and all 3 family members like them.)

Chocolate brownies made from a mix are very popular here and I often use them as a bribe to get DH to finish other foods. This is all new to me as DH went from about a stage 3 to stage mid 6 in about 6 months. 

Joydean

My husband always tells me he’s not hungry and doesn’t want anything to eat. But I have found if I just put a little something on a plate and give it to him while he is watching tv he will start eating it. I don’t think he even knows what he is doing but it gets some food in him.

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Comrade

The helpline is the most successful resource I have found for information, comfort and an open ear.

Comrade

What a great idea! I will try, but also figure out how to not tempt our dog.

I love it!

Comrade

Premature.

I have called Pallitus, who are sending a nurse practitioner for an evaluation and continued advice.

This is scary stuff for both of us, with DW bearing 100% of the load. She is frightened, miserable and of course confused.

In her sleep, I always whisper how much I love her and kiss her forehead.

Mint

Comrade glad you found the helpline comforting.  Have heard many on here say that. She is blessed to have such a caring husband.  Each of us here are aware of the stress each of us feels  and the thoughts that trouble each of our minds.  Glad you found this site and hope it helps a little.