What to Do When Elderly Parents Refuse to Eat

Author

Westminster Point Pleasant

Posted on

Jul 14, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

Share This

It can be stressful if your elderly parent loses their appetite or refuses to eat. You’re concerned they aren’t getting the nutrition they need. And if your elderly parent is prone to sickness or already sick, that concern gets magnified. 

If you’re feeling unsure of what to do, here are some simple tactics you can try today to make sure your senior parent gets fed appropriately.

Consult a Doctor

When you notice your elderly parent isn’t eating, it’s important to rule out any serious health issues. You’ll need to address the medical problem first if it’s the primary reason they won’t eat. 

If they have a medical condition already, learn how that could impact their desire to eat. Some medications could also produce side effects that make eating less pleasurable, which you’ll want to recognize. 

A doctor may also recommend an appetite stimulant, which could help your parent considerably.

Stick to a Schedule

Humans thrive on routine, so eating at the same time every day could help your parent’s body expect to eat. Because the ability to feel hunger declines as you get older, waiting until a senior says they’re hungry isn’t a reliable method. 

Instead, focus on a well-rounded meal schedule with some snacks in between. Centers for independent living in Bradenton, Florida, can offer reliable meal schedules to help your parent stay on track with their caloric consumption.

Notice What’s Working

Figure out what’s working in your parent’s diet and use that as a leaping-off point. For instance, do they like what you serve them for breakfast? Are they hungrier in the mornings? 

Asking and answering these kinds of questions will help you track patterns that you can use to your advantage. Just as recognizing what’s working is helpful, it’s equally important to avoid things that don’t work.

Get Creative

Some experimentation may be necessary if your elderly parent struggles to eat. Ask them about what they like and why. See if there’s a way you can incorporate their answer into their diet in a healthy way. Approach the subject with genuine interest and care; help them remember what they love about certain foods and why. 

If there’s ever a day when they don’t want to eat anything you offer them, you’ll always have a trick up your sleeve. To increase nutrient density, think about where you can add extra healthy calories that won’t bulk up the meal. Avocado or olive oil is fantastic for this.

Focus on the Why

Sometimes mealtime can be just as frustrating for your parent as for you. If they’re frustrated because they can’t use utensils, try serving food that can be easily eaten without them. 

Portion size can also be an issue for seniors, so don’t be afraid to serve smaller portions of nutrient-dense meals throughout the day. Accessible snacks like pre-cut fruit or cheese and crackers are delicious and easy to throw together. 

For seniors who have difficulty chewing, cut smaller pieces or introduce healthy smoothies that are well-balanced with fruits and vegetables.

Dine Together with Independent Living in Bradenton, Florida

Eating alone can be dull or even upsetting for anyone, let alone the elderly. Try enjoying a meal with your parent if you can. It’s even better if you can take them to a restaurant they love or get together for lunch with an old friend. 

Consult with centers that focus on independent living in Bradenton, Florida. Many senior and community centers have cafes and restaurants that might encourage your parent to grab a bite to eat.

Other Articles You May Like

HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX Shines Our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!

This month, we shine our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!Jerry is a senior living professional with over 35 years of sales, marketing, operations, and management experience. He is a servant-driven leader focused on helping his clients live their best lives by understanding their needs and exceeding their expectations.Jerry most recently worked in Senior Living as a Community Sales Director and Executive Director for many years before joining HomeWell Care Services in June of 2022 as the Community Relations Manager serving the North Dallas area.His responsibilities include creating positive brand awareness, networking with professional organizations, building relationships with senior living communities, churches, rehabilitation centers, adult senior centers, hospitals, and more that will result in long-lasting community partnerships, and keeping our home care services top of mind within the community we serve.Thank you, Jerry, for being an amazing professional. You are an asset to our companys continuing growth and make a difference in the lives of your clients and HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX! If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Plano, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX today!Call (469) 596-6500HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.

Talking To Your Parents About Senior Living: Why Choose Sooner Rather Than Later?

Transitioning to senior living can be an intimidating prospect for many seniors. If you are a family member or friend of a senior, it can be difficult to know how to approach the subject and begin talking about the next steps. But, starting the conversation sooner rather than later is important so that seniors have time to make decisions and prepare for their transition in a way that feels comfortable. Here are some tips on how to start talking to your loved ones about senior living and why it is an important conversation to have and earlier than you think.Do Your Research First When it comes to transitioning into senior living, knowledge is power. Knowing what types of options are available and what services different facilities provide can help ease any anxiety around the conversation and give you both some context for your discussion.Doing research ahead of time is crucial for starting the conversation on the right foot. It will help you gain a better understanding of how senior living works and what your loved ones individual needs might be. Its also important to remember that each senior living community is unique in its own way; some offer more amenities than others, while some focus on particular health issues or dietary concerns within their care plan. By doing thorough research ahead of time, you can identify which communities best fit your loved ones needs.Doing your research first when talking to your loved ones about senior living options will also help you find out which type of senior living would best fit your loved ones needs and preferences from independent living facilities with limited assistance to full-service care homes with round-the-clock medical attention so that you can have a meaningful discussion about their specific wants and needs.Maintain Open Communication & Let It Be an Ongoing Process Above all else, open communication is key when discussing this type of transition with your loved one. Its essential that they feel listened to and respected during each step of this process from researching options together to visiting different facilities to making final decisions about where they want to live in their golden years. Some facilities even offer various amenities and benefits to increase the comfort of their residents, including in-house catering for improved nutrition, event calendars for increased social interaction, and advanced security for increased peace of mind. When talking to your parents about senior living, listen to which amenities and services your family would love the most, and ensure you communicate these benefits to them.Secondly, rather than having one large discussion about moving into a senior living community, try having several small conversations over time instead. The goal should ultimately be finding a solution that meets your loved ones needs while still allowing them the freedom and dignity they deserve so dont rush anything or expect an immediate answer. Allow plenty of time for reflection so your loved one can process everything theyre hearing before making a final decision.  Additionally, keep in mind that if they feel overwhelmed by the idea of transitioning into senior living, they may not be ready yet and thats okay! Take it slow and allow them as much time as necessary before proceeding further down the path toward finding them a home.Talk in Person With Empathy and PositivityAbove all else, when talking to your parents about senior living options, its important to remember that this is not just about them moving out of their home its also about providing them with quality care in a safe environment where theyll continue to enjoy their retirement years without worry or stress. Approach the subject from an empathetic perspective one that acknowledges their fears but also encourages them by highlighting all the wonderful benefits senior living has to offer! When done correctly and respectfully, talking about senior living can ultimately lead to a positive outcome for everyone involved and hopefully bring peace of mind for both parties as well.Grace Pointe Senior Care Community of Greeley, Colorado: How We Can HelpStarting the conversation about transitioning into senior living can be daunting at first, but having an informed discussion sooner rather than later allows seniors more time to weigh their options and make decisions that feel comfortable for them while also giving families peace of mind knowing they have explored all available resources together. With patience, respect, understanding, and access to helpful resources like Grace Pointes Senior Care Resources, beginning these conversations doesnt have to be overwhelming or stressful instead, it can be reassuring and informative!At Grace Pointe Senior Care Community of Greeley, Colorado, our approach to care is customized to help when talking to your parents about senior living options available to them.  Our assisted living team is available to discuss care options in order to design a care plan that is best for you or your family member.We hope this article helped supply you with the information to make a confident and informed decision for you and your loved ones. However, if youre still not sure how to address this difficult but necessary conversation with your loved ones, we can help! We have numerous resources to help you make the right decision for your family, including our Complete Guide to Assisted Living in Greeley, Colorado. Also, feel free to take our Continuum of Care Quiz and let the expert team at Grace Pointe Senior Care Community match you with recommended services based on your answers.

Crafting Comfort: Senior Organizing Solutions Unveiled

In the realm of crafting comfort and promoting a sense of order, A Call to Order Professional Organizer stands out as a beacon of expertise, specializing in Senior Organizing Solutions. Our mission is to unveil the potential for tranquility and ease in the lives of seniors by meticulously organizing their living spaces. Our guiding principle is rooted in compassion and practicality, recognizing the unique needs of seniors and tailoring our services to create personalized, efficient solutions.As you embark on the journey of senior organizing, consider the following tips to enhance the process. Firstly, prioritize sentimental items and incorporate them into the organization plan, ensuring a balance between functionality and emotional connection. Secondly, make use of accessible storage solutions to simplify daily routines. A Call to Order emphasizes a gentle and collaborative approach, ensuring that the organizing process is not only effective but also a positive experience for seniors. Crafting comfort through thoughtful organization is not just a service; it's a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our cherished seniors. A Call to Order Professional Organizer: Crafting Comfort: Senior Organizing Solutions Unveiled - because every moment deserves the tranquility of order.

Local Services By This Author

Westminster Point Pleasant

Assisted Living 1533 4th Ave. W., Bradenton, Florida, 34205

In the 1950s, leaders of the Presbyterian Church in Florida envisioned faith-based, not-for-profit, active-living communities across the state. To fulfill the church's ministry to older adults, Westminster Communities of Florida was established. From its roots in Bradenton, it has expanded to 19 communities statewide, attracting over 5,000 residents. Ranked as the eighth largest organization of its kind nationally, Westminster Communities of Florida boasts excellent financial strength, recognized with a highly-desired A- Fitch rating.Welcoming individuals of all faiths, we offer an active living community in Florida with an enlightened, fully integrated, person-centered approach to healthcare. Explore the enriching lifestyle and compassionate care at Westminster Communities of Florida

Westminster Point Pleasant

Skilled Nursing 1533 4th Ave. W., Bradenton, Florida, 34205

In the 1950s, leaders of the Presbyterian Church in Florida envisioned faith-based, not-for-profit, active-living communities across the state. To fulfill the church's ministry to older adults, Westminster Communities of Florida was established. From its roots in Bradenton, it has expanded to 19 communities statewide, attracting over 5,000 residents. Ranked as the eighth largest organization of its kind nationally, Westminster Communities of Florida boasts excellent financial strength, recognized with a highly-desired A- Fitch rating.Welcoming individuals of all faiths, we offer an active living community in Florida with an enlightened, fully integrated, person-centered approach to healthcare. Explore the enriching lifestyle and compassionate care at Westminster Communities of Florida

Westminster Point Pleasant

Memory Care 1533 4th Ave. W., Bradenton, Florida, 34205

In the early 1950s, leaders of the Presbyterian Church in Florida envisioned faith-based, not-for-profit, active-living communities throughout the state. To bring this vision to life and fulfill the church's ministry to older adults, Westminster Communities of Florida was established. Since then, it has evolved from its inaugural community in Bradenton to 19 communities statewide, attracting over 5,000 residents. Currently, it stands as the eighth largest organization of its kind in the nation. Westminster Communities of Florida's financial strength is reflected in its highly-desired A- Fitch rating.Welcoming individuals of all faiths, our communities offer an active living experience in Florida with an enlightened, fully integrated, person-centered approach to healthcare. Explore the vibrant lifestyle and compassionate care at Westminster Communities of Florida.