If your mom has a sweet tooth try making an Ensure shake with milk and ice cream. What are her favorite foods? Try making them and see if she eats. Can you prepare a meal for her while she's there? Sometimes seniors left to their own devices won't eat but if the meal is prepared for them they'll eat. Prepare it then set it out for her.
But to answer your question, no, don't force feed her. Make sure she's getting plenty of fluids and get creative when trying to get her to eat.
The best way to figure out why an elder is loosing weight or not eating is to spend meal time with them and even cooking for them with the aroma in the air that usually get's the stomach in the mood for food. If possible allow her to participate in meal prep. Considering that elders typically eat half or less than we do, downsize her portions on a smaller plate? ( Half sandwich or half a can of soup)
There could be an underlying illness or depression so I suggest taking a trouble-shooting approach. Start with the home cooked favorite meals and a visit to the doctor. Hope this is helpful.
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If your mom has a sweet tooth try making an Ensure shake with milk and ice cream. What are her favorite foods? Try making them and see if she eats. Can you prepare a meal for her while she's there? Sometimes seniors left to their own devices won't eat but if the meal is prepared for them they'll eat. Prepare it then set it out for her.
But to answer your question, no, don't force feed her. Make sure she's getting plenty of fluids and get creative when trying to get her to eat.
Considering that elders typically eat half or less than we do, downsize her portions on a smaller plate? ( Half sandwich or half a can of soup)
There could be an underlying illness or depression so I suggest taking a trouble-shooting approach. Start with the home cooked favorite meals and a visit to the doctor.
Hope this is helpful.
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