I notice both of my 95 year old parents are eating much much less than they did. It hasn't affected their physical condition, they are the same as they were last year. I think this is just what happens when you are 95. The body doesn't need as much food. We are letting nature just take its course and not seeking a solution for a non-issue.
My DH aunt is also losing weight. It is frightening. She will be 97 in Oct. She is on an appetite stimulate and seems to enjoy her food. So it seems that in-spite of eating, she is failing to thrive.
“Failure to thrive (FTT) describes a syndrome of global decline. The United States National Institute of Aging described FTT as a "syndrome of weight loss, decreased appetite and poor nutrition, and inactivity, often accompanied by dehydration, depressive symptoms, impaired immune function, and low cholesterol" [1]. FTT in older adults may represent a final common pathway toward death unless interventions can reverse the course.For some patients, FTT is caused by a single disease (eg, cancer) and the treatment of that disease drives the management plan. However, in many cases, multiple factors such as medical comorbidities, medications, and psychological factors contribute to impairment. Identifying and treating these contributing factors can change the course of illness, improve quality of life and function in this group of older adults; such treatment should be instituted as appropriate and in keeping with the patient's goals of care.”
this part. “such treatment should be instituted as appropriate and in keeping with the patient's goals of care.” Is what is difficult for me.
Aunts quality of life is poor being bed bound and with dementia, it seems harsh to prolong her life yet so hard to think there is something left undone that would make her more comfortable her remaining days.
Your father is blessed to have you in his life. You are not alone.
everyone loves milkshakes , right? ok, at least I do and so did my mom and my friend's mom. We had them boarded together, so we could make a party out of our situation. Hamburgers and milkshakes with ensure added to it. They loved it.
Now, if dad has a swallow issue, like my aunt, he may need to be on blended foods, and thickened water.. (THICK-IT, I think was the name of the powder) It's a juggling act sometimes..
There was a booklet out a number of years ago, so now everything is on the net...
What to eat when you don't feel like eating....
Go for tasty things your dad likes... milkshakes, especially in summer may be one good thing,, blend in a protein shake or ensure... play his favorite music... make it a happy moment..
Make sure he is sitting up... Duh.. right? You would think.. But I found them trying to feed her in bed laying down with her neck leaning a bit forward... Not up in a sitting position....Not good....
Our inclination is to keep people alive no matter what. That’s why we’re caregivers. Yet sometimes it’s not the best thing for them.
My DH aunt is also losing weight. It is frightening. She will be 97 in Oct. She is on an appetite stimulate and seems to enjoy her food. So it seems that in-spite of eating, she is failing to thrive.
“Failure to thrive (FTT) describes a syndrome of global decline. The United States National Institute of Aging described FTT as a "syndrome of weight loss, decreased appetite and poor nutrition, and inactivity, often accompanied by dehydration, depressive symptoms, impaired immune function, and low cholesterol" [1]. FTT in older adults may represent a final common pathway toward death unless interventions can reverse the course.For some patients, FTT is caused by a single disease (eg, cancer) and the treatment of that disease drives the management plan. However, in many cases, multiple factors such as medical comorbidities, medications, and psychological factors contribute to impairment. Identifying and treating these contributing factors can change the course of illness, improve quality of life and function in this group of older adults; such treatment should be instituted as appropriate and in keeping with the patient's goals of care.”
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/failure-to-thrive-in-older-adults-evaluation?topicRef=3015&source=see_link#topicContent
this part. “such treatment should be instituted as appropriate and in keeping with the patient's goals of care.” Is what is difficult for me.
Aunts quality of life is poor being bed bound and with dementia, it seems harsh to prolong her life yet so hard to think there is something left undone that would make her more comfortable her remaining days.
Your father is blessed to have you in his life. You are not alone.
Make sure that this is not a swallowing issue. As his doctors to order a swallow study done by a speech/language pathologist.
Wishing you well!
Also, unless he is diabetic, things like ice cream and sherbet might be appealing.
unfortunately, this is a very common problem, especially when they are very elderly.
Now, if dad has a swallow issue, like my aunt, he may need to be on blended foods, and thickened water.. (THICK-IT, I think was the name of the powder) It's a juggling act sometimes..
There was a booklet out a number of years ago, so now everything is on the net...
What to eat when you don't feel like eating....
Go for tasty things your dad likes... milkshakes, especially in summer may be one good thing,, blend in a protein shake or ensure... play his favorite music... make it a happy moment..
Make sure he is sitting up... Duh.. right? You would think.. But I found them trying to feed her in bed laying down with her neck leaning a bit forward... Not up in a sitting position....Not good....
One lil spoonful at a time, or a straw..if it's a milkshake .
My dad did not like seeing a lot of food in front of him when he started down this path.
Has hospice evaluated him yet, or palliative care?
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