Easy Ways To Get A Senior Parent With Alzheimer’s To Eat More

If you are taking care of a senior parent with Alzheimer’s, you may have a hard time getting to eat enough. As your mom or dad’s Alzheimer’s progresses, they may stop recognizing their body’s hunger and thirst cues. They can’t tell you when they’re thirsty or hungry because they don’t know. And they also may not want to eat at mealtimes because they don’t feel hungry even if they are hungry.

If your mom or dad isn’t eating enough, they can quickly become malnourished, so it’s very important that they eat enough calories each day to sustain themselves. If you’re battling with your mom or dad each day to try and get them to eat, Alzheimer’s care at home can help.

Alzheimer’s care at home is specialized care at home for seniors who have Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s care providers that come to your senior parent’s home will have experience helping seniors who have Alzheimer’s. They also have training in different techniques that work well with seniors with Alzheimer’s.

There are also some things you can try on your own to make sure that your mom or dad is getting enough calories to stay healthy each day, like:

 

Serve Small, Manageable Portions

Large portions of food can feel overwhelming for your mom or dad, especially if they aren’t feeling hungry.  Instead, try serving small portions that are easier to manage. A plate with just a few items—like a half-sandwich and a handful of fruit—may be less intimidating and more appealing to them. You can always offer seconds if they finish the first serving.

Focus on foods that are familiar and easy to eat, like soft fruits, scrambled eggs, or soup. Keeping meals simple helps make eating less stressful.

 

Create a Calm Eating Environment

A noisy or cluttered environment can distract or upset your mom or dad. To help them focus on eating, create a quiet and comfortable space for meals. Turn off the TV, avoid loud conversations, and make sure the table isn’t overcrowded with utensils or dishes.

Consider using plain-colored plates that contrast with the food so they can easily see what they’re eating. This calm setting can make mealtime more enjoyable and relaxing for both of you.

 

Offer Finger Foods

Your mom or dad may be having a hard time using utensils. They may forget what utensils are or be confused about how to use them, so they don’t eat because they are embarrassed to ask how to use them.

Finger foods make eating easier and can encourage independence. Foods like small sandwiches, cheese sticks, sliced vegetables, or chicken strips are great options. Finger foods reduce frustration and let your parent eat at their own pace. You can also cut meals into bite-sized pieces to make them more manageable.

 

Stick to a Routine

Routines can bring comfort and predictability to someone with Alzheimer’s. Try to serve meals at the same time each day. Alzheimer’s care at home makes it easier to keep your mom or dad on a routine because their care provider can be there at the same time each day.

Familiarity can help them feel more comfortable and willing to eat. You can also keep the menu consistent, serving their favorite foods regularly. If breakfast is their favorite meal, try offering breakfast-like options later in the day if they’re struggling to eat. Routine helps build a sense of stability that makes mealtimes easier.

 

Make Eating a Social Activity

Eating with others can encourage a senior parent with Alzheimer’s to enjoy their meals. Sit with them while they eat and share the same meal if possible.

Talk gently and maintain a positive, cheerful attitude. Avoid pressuring them to eat, as this may cause stress. Instead, let your presence create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes mealtime feel like a shared experience. You can also offer them food from your plate, sharing may make them more open to eating.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Care in Mclean, VA, please contact the caring staff at Butters Home Health Care today. (703) 371-2113