My Mom is 92 and in pretty good shape for her age. She is fairly independent. She eats like a bird and then complains of feeling weak and tired all the time. Any suggestions for getting her to eat more? I live with her and am tired of pushing her to eat more.
*Lots of days She’d rather snack than have real meals: so we have made her custom made “snack trays” that we know she’ll eat (cheese&crackers, ham&cheese, etc.)
*Size of plate & portions is a major issue: she eats better from a desert sized plate with child like portions
*Size of the cut of food is also a major issue: whatever “it” is she will pass if it’s “too big” (ex: stir fry veges, if it’s a full sprig of broccoli = PASS, BUT, if that sprig of broccoli is cut up into teensy portions = devoured)
*LOTS of days, her first response to any food presented is “oh nooo, I’m too (insert excuse) to want to eat”. So, I ignore it, continue prepping the food (cause dads gotta eat, too) and re-present the meal like 15 minutes later - It’s about a 60% positive result when I re-present.
It’s a process!
sending hugs your way!
Make her a really good tasting milkshake with - if she loves chocolate - lots of cocoa (and malt) and add bananas for creaminess and it is a really good source of nutrients.
Perhaps she loves fruit ... whatever she likes - make it a milkshake.
You can toss in a little of a lot of nutrients, ie protein powder, cinnamin, collogen and lots more - in small quantities. She won't notice over the main ingredient - whether its chocolate or fresh strawberries / strawberry 100% fruit jams.
Also consider the SIZE of the portion. Since she doesn't want to eat, put it in a very small glass with a straw or however will work best. If she is motivated with you eating with her, join her.
The liquid could be milk, almond milk, juice - whatever works.
You cannot push her. That is counter-productive. And, she is 92.
She likely doesn't feel much like eating.
Give her a brownie.
Some people are not food motivated (like dogs ... and I LOVE dogs - no disrespect here).
Gena / Touch Matters
for appetite. My husband's doctor put him in touch with Hospice care. The nurse prescribed MESTROL ACET 40 mg/ml. He takes it every morning and evening and he is eating much better and gaining weight.
Sometimes elders say things like that because they actually do not feel well and cannot describe it any other way. Be sure that her PCP is kept informed and she is being assessed by PCP regularly as needed. You may also benefit from getting some type of in home care services to help with her ; often they can offer good support for patient and family members. Practice good self care for you ! Let her have her dignity and patient rights honored by choosing what and when and amount that she eats.
Hello are you taking care of yourself (first,)
Blessings 🙏. Suggestions I used fix foods she likes best. Even if it's every day. Reduce her plate to a saucer. ( times they see big plate to much food )
Do she eat alone, if so try eating with her . Lonely for company remembering family ate together.
Place about 4 crackers or granola bar cut in small bites size. and small water in living room while watching television . Daily
Change it with other items she like nutritional. Even Cheerios excellent .
Try this for a week, just tell her Incase you want a snake Eventually she will indulge.
Respectfully