How do I get my Mom to eat better?

I had to move my Diabetic mom out of an IL because they consistently waved sweets under her nose and were adamant about it. "She has a choice here and can eat anything she likes." Of course her blood sugar was going ballistic. After three years of begging I did get them to stop giving her OJ but she would beg someone else's. Her diet is better under control now in AL but the damage has been done.

My mother was like that, when she lived on her own. But, in the NH she is thriving and gaining weight. They don't have a lot of choices, so they eat. Would it be possible to move her to a facility where she gets more care?

How old is your mother?

Does she like cottage cheese? String cheese? Those are easy snacks.

Have her teeth checked as mentioned above and have her doctor refer her for a swallow study. I would also talk to her doctor about her overall suitability for IL. I sounds as though she may need a higher level of care.

Boy that's a tough one. Unless you can be there with her, I don't know what you can do. Can you bring her healthy foods to keep as snacks, since she's in independent living? I know that the sweet taste buds are the last to go, so as people are nearing the end of their lives, they lose the taste for most foods and generally still love sweets. I've only been able to get my mom to eat more/healthier by fixing her breakfast every day. I'm feeding her much more than she'd fix on her own. She's also in independent living. But it's been a big investment of time on my part and you may not be able to do that.

Has your Mom had her teeth checked lately? I know my Mom will detour to the sugary desserts because they are always softer and easier to eat.