My Loved One Won't Eat!

Dear Caregiver Coach: My loved one does not seem to want to eat now. What can I do to assist her and encourage her to eat more? -- Family Foodie

Dear Family Foodie: Thank you for your question. With many diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s or cancer, eating may be more problematic. I always suggest that you confer with your loved one’s family physician to make sure there are no physiological reasons why your loved one is not eating well. After that, here are some suggestions which may help:

1. Water, Water, Water. Make sure the person you are caring for has plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can lead to appetite suppression.

2. Keep it small.Instead of three large meals a day, which can look overwhelming to someone in poor health, serve six small meals a day.

3. Increase the amount of calories per meal. For instance, you can add protein powder mix to shakes or drinks to increase calories.

4. Soft is better. Serve soft foods such as pudding, ice cream or fruit smoothies because they can be tasty and easy to digest.

5. Make it tasty. Don’t serve bland or sour tasting foods.

6. Put the power in their hands. When possible, give the person you are caring for the decision-making power to decide what they would like to eat; it helps them to feel in control.

7. Make it pretty. Present appetizing-looking meals by accenting the plate with a garnish (i.e. strawberry or melon). Also, make the dining experience pleasant for the person you are caring for by playing soft music or talking to them about the day’s events while they are eating to take their minds off not feeling well.

8. Write it down. Keep a food diary about the person you are caring for and include: what food they have problems or complications digesting and their daily food menus, and review it with their doctor or dietician for feedback. They may be experiencing digestive problems or irritable bowl syndrome due to their menu.

9. Work it out. Try and get them moving to work up an appetite. If overall exercise such as walking isn’t possible, have them fold the laundry or peel vegetables.

Thank you for your question, and I hope you find some of these ideas helpful.

• Regina Thibideau has been a family and spousal caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s. She is also a professional whose job entails facilitating caregiver support groups, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s caregivers from the beginning of their journey to the end.

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