Ten Reasons Why Your Aging Parent May Not Be Eating Properly...and What to Do about It

This is, of late exactly the problem my mother is having. Things that she used to like the taste of, she no longer does. She's shrinking and it's scary.

Not mentioned is a serious medical problem. They should be checked out by a physician. You should call before the visit to explain the situation. Because of HIPPA, you may not be given a lot of information unless you are the health care proxy or they give permission for their medical information be shared with you.

Assuming there is no medical problem, certain supplements like ensure and boost have ingredients that may make your loved one nauseas thus he/she will not drink it. Iron is in many of these supplements. This has been know to make folks nauseas.

Also some of the supplements give a person louse bowel movements. Sometimes the supplements cause a loved one to loose control of their bowels. This will stop them from taking supplements as well.

Occasionally, supplements decrease appetite.

There is definitely a lot to think about

Therefore follow the tips listed before supplements are necessary.

Well, I have started her on a morning shake which she has liked the two times I offered it. I add a protied powder, banana,milk, filtered water, other fruit as we have it. I'm thinking about adding more fiber to her diet because while she has always loved salads, of late she has mostly not wanted them. I wonder if the poor air quality and high heat (we don't have any AC) might also be adversely affecting her.

Heat could definitely be a problem. It sounds like your shake is nutritiious. Sometimes bananas can constipate people.

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Have you considered the heart-to-heart visit with your mother about the vital role of proper nutrition to make her medicines work better and reduce side effects. If you do this, also ask about her currently favorite foods, stating that you will find a way to work them in to the menu planning. If Mom is part of the solution the probability of her new acceptance of what you prepare and serve is very good.

Yes, I agree that heat can be a deterrent to proper nutrition. As you don't have air conditioning, consider buying a small fan that you can direct specifically to the locality around your mother. Also, if there is a breeze outside, open the window that can catch the airflow plus the window on the other side of the room or unit so the airflow can escape. You may have to buy screens for the windows, but such is a one-time purchase.

Also, consider some form of daily physical activity, even an event as simple as a walk around the block or to a nearby grocery store, can help produce an appetite as well as be beneficial to Mom's physical condition, dexterity and strength.

Good luck. I commend you as a concerned caregiver.

Leonard J. Hansen
Author of this feature