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It seems to be a constant worry with her: what is she "getting" for her meal, how much of it, are there any options, what are you making for dinner; she will call her friends and ask them what they had or are going to have. She seems obsessed with what others are having, and if you are having something "better"{ than her.
She of course watches all the food network and cooking shows, makes lists of groceries that are never bought, writes down recipes from tv......if we go out, it's "will we be anywhere for lunch"? She also fights over, and hoards food to the extent that she has brought bugs into her bedroom (and my house!!) If she doesn't get to eat what she wants, or enough of it, she will sulk for days.
She has even bribed care workers coming into my home to bring her "treats" so I had to put my foot down on that (she is supposed to be on a salt- and sugar-free diet, dr.'s orders, but if asked if she is a diabetic, will lie and say "no" or "I control it with food). That's for sure!!
Is this a dementia issue, a Depression issue, or a compulsion or obsession? Sure would appreciate your feedback! (also if we order in food, she asks ahead of time, is that a full cake or just a slice, how many slices are in the pizza, etc., where did the food come from, who brought it, when did they bring it----it's insane!)

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Hi seven13. my mother grew up during the Depression (I understood your reference btw), and had 13 brothers and sisters. Her issue is the opposite, there are only three in our household and we have 2 refrigerator freezers and a full length freezers - all are stuffed to the gills with food. That includes the pantry and cabinets. She is a huge saver (but not a hoarder - yet). She will go to 3 or 4 different stress to get the best details even tho she is probably spending that savings in gas. It sounds to me like your mother is trying to control one of the few things in her life that happen on a regular basis. Or maybe it is a food addiction, since she seems to be concerned with so many different aspects of food. I wish I had an answer for you. Good luck - keep us posted?
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They do forget they have eaten. Right after dinner MIL said "when do we eat?" So you will have to control it. MIL is at an ALF and complains they are cutting back on food, but they have not. Now look at what drugs she is taking. Some stimulate appetite. Maybe talk to the MD about checking her sugar levels. Keep rationing, hold your ground. It could also just be her seeking attention.
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My mom's food obsession is for peanuts---peanuts, peanuts, peanuts. I am constantly going to the store for peanuts. It's becoming costly too. I have started rationing out the peanuts for each day but as soon as she's eaten them, she starts looking for and asking for more..."Where's my peanuts"? She forgets she has just eaten them and demands them. I tell her that she already has had her peanuts for the day and I get, "Is that so..." (in that sarcastic tone). But soon she forgets again that she has eaten them and that she has asked about them and what I have told her and it goes on and on and on. Sometimes I wish I'm glad that I don't have a peanut shooter (if they even made one) 'cause I may be tempted to use it. Grrrr.
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My dad is 87, he is obsessed with his meals as well. He gets up in the morning and is worried about what he is going to have for dinner. I think it is just their world is getting smaller and smaller. Like a child, they believe the world revolves around them. They are consumed by every minute detail of their life meals, pills, doctors, bowel movements. It is sad really. Nothing to think about or do but fuss about these things. Good luck.
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PS by "Depression" I meant those who went through the Great Depression and had practically no food.....that might answer it. But now I realize that maybe its the other "depression"? She is on an anti-dpressent already!
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