The number one problem that prevents Seniors from consuming regular meals is rarely a Lack of motivation to dine or fussy eating. Senior citizens may experience pain and/or fatigue; loss of interest in eating; dental problems; nausea; gastrointestinal side effects of prescription drugs; and feelings of seclusion, all of which can make meals more difficult. The goal is to get the senior to consume sufficient high-quality calories, an appropriate amount of protein, and adequate fluids, so that these become sustainable for him/her daily.
Below are some Tips for family members and caregivers that can be performed in the comfort of their own homes.
Reasons why so many Seniors are now missing meals
There are several reasons why so many Seniors have stopped eating. These include:
- Loss of appetite or changes in taste & smell
- Dental issues causing problems chewing (loose teeth, sore gums)
- Swallowing problems (dysphagia)
- Nausea/chest pain/reflux/gastrointestinal symptoms
- Memory loss/loneliness/mood disorders
- Malaise, which makes sitting upright to eat too fatiguing
If a senior citizen stops eating for no apparent reason, loses weight, has Trouble swallowing without spitting out the food (frequently), or becomes confused, seek immediate medical care.
1) From 3 large meals to small and frequent.
Large portions are often overwhelming. Small portions are easier to manage.
Try the following:
- Have your senior eat 5-6 mini-meals per day.
- Establish a “2-bite” rule. Once you begin, many people will continue eating.
- Schedule snack time (morning, noon, night)
- 200-300 calories per snack add up to a lot throughout the day.
2) increase calorie content without increasing the amount of food
If a senior cannot eat large quantities, improve the nutritional content of what they do eat.
Easy ways to do this:
- Drizzle olive oil/butter over mashed potatoes/rice/soup/etc.
- Add peanut butter to oatmeal/smoothies
- Sprinkle cheese on top of eggs/pasta/soft vegetables
- Switch to full-fat versions of skim milk/Yogurt
Instead of feeding them giant Snacks, simply feed them more nutritious foods.
3) place protein atop every meal as your number one priority
Protein gives us our strength, repairs our bodies, and fuels us. Seniors frequently don’t receive enough.
Ideas for Proteins:
- Scrambled eggs/oatmeal/omelet
- Greek Yogurt/cottage cheese
- Shredded Fish/chicken/turkey
- Well-cooked lentils/beans
- Smoothies high in protein (milk + yogurt + nut butter)
Ensure that whatever little food they can eat includes some type of protein.
4) Change the texture of foods instead of fighting against their ability to chew
Rather than fighting against their inability to chew, change the texture of the foods.
Try the following:
- Oatmeal/soups/stews/Yogurt/scrambled eggs — Things that are easy to consume.
- Use flagging moist meat/Fish/, and foods, and add gravy/sauces/stocks/broths.
- Breakdown larger pieces into smaller bits/shred meat/cook vegetables until tender.
If there is excessive coughing/choking while eating, ask for a swallowing assessment (by either a doctor or a speech pathologist).
5) Encourage adequate hydration when there is little or no feeling of thirst
Seniors lose moisture from their bodies through breathing alone and therefore require consistent hydration to avoid weakness/confusion/diarrhea/reduced hunger.
Ways to encourage hydration:
- Drink fluids every hour to two hours, in small sips.
- Warm beverages such as herbal tea/warm water with squeezed lemon are acceptable alternatives to cold water.
- Include fluids in soups/milk/smoothies/fruits/highly watery fruits.
- Place her favourite drinking glass near her at all times.
If plain water tastes too bland/flavourless to drink, try lightly seasoning or switching flavours periodically to an electrolyte drink (consult their MD before doing so, especially if they have kidney/heart disease).
6) Reduce nausea and odours of food that cause them to avoid eating it
Some elderly citizens stop eating due to food odours, which can cause nausea.
Tricks to help reduce nausea & food odours:
- Avoid preparing foods with strong smells that need to be at room temperature.
- Prepare bland foods: toast/crackers/bananas/rice.
- Ginger tea/ginger candy (if allowed by MD).
- Open windows to allow for ventilation in the kitchen area.
Request a pharmacy consult regarding their medications. Some medications cause anorexia or nausea.
7) Reduce stress associated with eating and reduce fatigue during meals
If it is stressful for your senior to remain seated while eating, they are likely to abandon the process early in the meal. This has implications beyond their physical health. Safety concerns arise due to their reduced energy levels.
Placing equipment to support a senior during meals can provide them with a convenient location to be supported, especially if they are experiencing frailty/stiffness. Elevated correctly, this helps them reduce some of the strain associated with eating and prevent further stress on the body.
8) post-infection/surgery recovery nutrient needs
Following a post-surgical/infectious episode, the body requires additional nutrients/protein/calories, and yet typically experiences a decrease in appetite.
At this point, it is important to provide them with a combination of easily consumable foods (soups/eggs/smoothies/Yogurt) and a comfortable sleeping location (such as hospital bed rental for recovery) so they can eat more frequently. Additionally, proper positioning can help ensure safer swallowing and reduce fatigue.
9) engage in mealtime socialization and limit pressures to eat
Mealtime is primarily about food consumption, and if they feel relaxed/socialized during mealtime, many Seniors will eat more effectively.
Try:
- Share meals when possible.
- Leave background music playing softly/give her/him quiet time.
- Use smaller plates to make food appear smaller.
- Recognize their efforts, not how much they eat.
Don’t force. Oftentimes, consistency leads to greater success than Pressure.
10) Assist elderly citizens in maintaining a safe eating position
Eating in an overly reclined position can result in reflux, coughing, or both. Oftentimes, they will simply choose not to eat because of the discomfort.
Renting medical beds for home use can help keep the upper body upright during and after meals. This could prove especially useful for Seniors who experience reflux/breathing difficulties, or weakness.