By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM
I have seen many family members and caregivers struggle with the challenges of getting a loved one to eat, specifically those individuals with late-stage dementia, as well as with the later stages of many chronic diseases. Changes in appetite often come with dementia and many chronic diseases. We know that if a person is not eating enough, it can lead to weight loss, loss of muscle strength, issues with balance, tiredness, weakness, susceptibility to falls, infections and viruses.
Reasons appetite may change with dementia and other chronic diseases:
- Physical difficulties– problems with chewing, swallowing, bowel issues, vision impairments
- Depression– common in people with dementia and chronic diseases
- Communication– those with dementia may have problems communicating that they are hungry or that they don’t like the food (taste, texture or temperature)
- Pain – the person may be in pain or discomfort, which can make eating difficult
- Dental care – dentures, tooth fractures, infections and/or poor oral hygiene
- Tiredness and concentration – can cause people to not eat or give up partway through a meal
- Medication – changes to medication or dosage and/or side effects can result in changes appetite
- Physical activity – inactivity during the day may cause a person to not feel hungry. Equally, if the person is very active or restless, they may use extra calories and be hungrier than usual or lose weight more quickly.
Things we can do to help our loved one when there are challenges and changes in their appetite:
- Naturally, serve favored foods, however; remember a person’s food preferences can change as their dementia or chronic disease progresses
- Don’t stop someone eating dessert if they haven’t eaten their meal; they may prefer the taste of the dessert
- Try different types of food and drink with varying temperatures and textures, such as milkshakes or potato wedges
- Gently encourage the individual to simply take a taste of the meal or food item
- Don’t assume the person has finished because they’ve stopped eating
- If the person is agitated or distressed, don’t pressure them to eat. Wait until they are calm and less anxious before offering food and drink.
- Eat with them. Many people will eat more when others are eating at the same time.
- If the person doesn’t want to eat meals at set times or at a table, make finger food available throughout the day/evening.
- Eliminate some of the other stimulation in the room. It may be difficult or overwhelming to focus on the task of eating if the TV is loud, or other people are talking or moving about. You could try playing quiet, calm music too to enhance mealtime.
- Serving meals on boldly colored plates and cups to individuals with dementia may boost food consumption. (Study by researchers at Boston University).
- If your loved one is at a point where you are supporting them by physically feeding them, place a spoon in their hand also. They may not be able to lift that spoon to their mouths, but the hand will tell the brain that food is coming, and this will help make the food times dignified, successful and about the person.
If you have the privilege and are supporting a person with dementia or a late-stage chronic disease and are assisting them with eating, remember that some of these simple tips may make a big difference in this important — and sometimes challenging — task.
Original Article: https://www.northeastohioboomer.com/blogs/when-a-loved-one-wont-eat/