It seems to be a constant challenge for some elders in getting their weight up. If they get sick, it seems to drop again quickly. They often like sweets as they age due to their taste buds not picking up other flavors. I would get the higher calorie sweet nutritional drinks-they also make them for diabetics, to help fill in gaps between meals. My friend/patient became more of a picky eater as she got into her eighties. Make sure that their teeth or dentures are comfortable and not causing pain. That can be a big reason why they will not eat much. Also, some may have swallowing problems and choke on food more often. Towards the end of life, our bodies can’t process a lot of food. It could actually make someone physically sick to force too much food on them. I would find out what they like to eat and give it to them every day, also add the high calorie nutritional drinks-put it in the blender with mixed greens, blueberries-or other fruit, and protein powder for added nutrition and calories. My friend loved tuna salad sandwiches, donuts, candy, and wine. I got her weight up 20 pounds, but she lost it all towards the end and weighed only 63 pounds at death. The doctor can give her an appetite stimulant-It may have been magnesium. Dehydration seems to be a problem as well. I set my Alexa every day I’m home for 12 hours to remind me to drink four ounces of water every hour. It works great. All the best!
Ann1941: - For the low sodium, do not use a salt substitute. - For the U.T.I., get complete urinalysis and proper antibiotic. - For the weight loss, see a nutritionist. - Overall, see the PCP.
You need the right antibiotic for a UTI. Sodium or other electrolyte issues are only a problem with kidney injury or cardiac issues. Ask doctor for a referral to a registered dietician for help planning a diet for these issues.
As for weight issues, talk to the doctor. If somebody needs to gain weight, I recommend any of the supplement drinks and snacks. People with poor appetites may also do better with 6 small meals rather than 3 hearty meals. The doctor can also prescribe medications to increase appetite. If somebody needs to lose weight, a weekly meal plan based on ADA standards might be easiest. Make sure person gets about 500 calories less per day than needed to maintain their current weight. Divide calories into 1/4 for protein, 1/4 for complex carbs, 1/2 vegetables that are lower in calories and higher in fiber. Also increased activity can help burn calories.
Salt substitute is used to lower sodium, check with her doctor. All you can do for weight loss is add calories. At this age, the more calories the better. My Papa’s doctor said there is no such thing as a bad calorie when weight loss is a concern. Does she like peanut butter? Use peanut butter powder to make milkshakes - adds calories and adds protein.
My aunt who just passed @ 94 had to take prescription sodium pills. As for weight try smoothies with greek yogurt added or nutritionally dense soups. Put some good dinners in the blender. Often our elders have trouble chewing and get tired of chewing. Try adding a protein powder too. We used a toddler spoon to feed my aunt and it was a great help.
Mothers nephrologist said increasing protein in diet. Scramble egg, bacon and toast for breakfast. Also bouillon cubes broth in afternoon with small sandwich, usually ham. And one ensure nutritional supplement daily. Has helped her.
I agree with checking with the doctor. My mom is a fan of bone broth which adds sodium and helps her knee feel better. I've tried to encourage one to two cups a day although she worries about sodium intake. Even cutting the amount down by mixing it with a splash of water still helps her get the benefits. Best of luck to you!
Time to discuss all this with the MD. We don't know the patient, the condition, the diagnosis, the prognosis, the MD plan of care, the use of diuretics, underlying conditions and et al.
We could not possibly give expert advice. So sorry and wish you good luck. Speak with the MD as soon as possible about these issues.
There are many causes of low blood sodium levels, a condition called hyponatremia. Surprisingly, the causes have nothing to do with the sodium you get from your diet. Using salt substitute is not a good idea. In fact, eating less salt RAISES the risk of this condition.
In hyponatremia, the level of sodium in blood is too low. A low sodium level has many causes, including consumption of too many fluids, kidney failure, heart failure, cirrhosis, and use of diuretics. Symptoms result from brain dysfunction.
Speak to the doctor or nutritionist about the proper diet for hyponatremia and gaining weight by eating nutritiously.
What does your wife's doctor or nutritionist suggest to do?
Is she currently being treated with antibiotics for a UTI? If not, why not?
How do you know she has low sodium? Do you know what is causing it?
What is her diet like on a weekly basis?
Weight loss may not be good but sometimes it cannot be helped if she's having other health issues. Illnesses like diabetes, thyroid problems and cancer are a few issues that can cause weight loss. Also, just failure to thrive, which is common in the elderly.
We aren't doctors but we could give other non-medical guidance if you please give us more information.
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- For the low sodium, do not use a salt substitute.
- For the U.T.I., get complete urinalysis and proper antibiotic.
- For the weight loss, see a nutritionist.
- Overall, see the PCP.
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As for weight issues, talk to the doctor. If somebody needs to gain weight, I recommend any of the supplement drinks and snacks. People with poor appetites may also do better with 6 small meals rather than 3 hearty meals. The doctor can also prescribe medications to increase appetite. If somebody needs to lose weight, a weekly meal plan based on ADA standards might be easiest. Make sure person gets about 500 calories less per day than needed to maintain their current weight. Divide calories into 1/4 for protein, 1/4 for complex carbs, 1/2 vegetables that are lower in calories and higher in fiber. Also increased activity can help burn calories.
As for weight try smoothies with greek yogurt added or nutritionally dense soups. Put some good dinners in the blender. Often our elders have trouble chewing and get tired of chewing.
Try adding a protein powder too.
We used a toddler spoon to feed my aunt and it was a great help.
We could not possibly give expert advice. So sorry and wish you good luck. Speak with the MD as soon as possible about these issues.
In hyponatremia, the level of sodium in blood is too low. A low sodium level has many causes, including consumption of too many fluids, kidney failure, heart failure, cirrhosis, and use of diuretics. Symptoms result from brain dysfunction.
Speak to the doctor or nutritionist about the proper diet for hyponatremia and gaining weight by eating nutritiously.
Good luck.
Is she currently being treated with antibiotics for a UTI? If not, why not?
How do you know she has low sodium? Do you know what is causing it?
What is her diet like on a weekly basis?
Weight loss may not be good but sometimes it cannot be helped if she's having other health issues. Illnesses like diabetes, thyroid problems and cancer are a few issues that can cause weight loss. Also, just failure to thrive, which is common in the elderly.
We aren't doctors but we could give other non-medical guidance if you please give us more information.