My mom is 81 and in a Board and Care. She has dementia and is refusing to eat solid food. Any other suggestions out there?

I agree with Willie. Sounds like a dental thing to me or a swallowing problem. Ask the Caregiver to give her soft foods. Scrambled eggs, Mashed potatoes. Maybe it needs some salt. Taste is one of the first things to go. Thats why the elderly love sweets. Get her to her doctor for tests.

Drinks like ensure are a great way to supplement the intake of people who just can't take in enough calories any other way but they should not be used as a meal replacement unless all other options have been tried. I'd start by trying to figure out why she is rejecting her food and work to correct that, have you explored whether she may have an oral or dental issue, or whether the is having difficulties with swallowing (dysphagia) and may need a softer diet?