What to Do When a Senior Refuses to Eat
By Ewa Frydel, Owner
The greatest issue of a senior refusing to eat is malnutrition, but other health concerns are of matter, too, like weight loss, muscle loss, and bone loss.
This can be very challenging to caregivers, whether you’re a family caregiver or a hired in-home caregiver.
Rest assured, equipping yourself with the knowledge of why your senior is refusing to eat will help you be able to address this challenge. Let’s start with why.
Why Seniors Refuse to Eat
Dental concerns. Check-in with your senior and see if they’re experiencing pain or discomfort while chewing.
Emotions. Is your senior loved one sad, depressed, or experiencing grief? Many elderly patients refuse to eat when they aren’t feeling happy, while others tend to eat more than they need.
Nausea. Has your senior had a change of medications? Sometimes medication can cause an upset stomach or reduce their appetite.
Chronic illness. Much like with medications, cancer, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and more illnesses can decrease appetite and cause your senior to not find an interest in food.
Senses. Perhaps your senior has lost their sense of smell or taste. This can cause your loved one to no longer be interested in food. Covid-19 can also cause a lack of taste.
Strategies to Overcome Senior's Refusal to Eat
Try new foods. Introduce new foods to your aging parent that they may have forgotten about. If their diet has become bland or if it’s too routine, change it up with something they love.
Find something from their memory they used to enjoy as a kid. Make one of their favorite recipes. Have them cook with you. Get them back in love with the joy of good food.
Small meals. If you’re senior has been losing weight or is malnourished, it’s natural to want to get them to eat more and more. However, introducing smaller portions at a time might be more beneficial to get them to eat. Make the meals colorful and exciting, but simple and small.
Bring life back to mealtime. Don’t just place a plate of food in front of them. Enjoy a treat with them. Set the table and create a welcoming ambience. Play their favorite music and cook together. Invite family and friends over, too. Sometimes just seeing their favorite faces brings the appetite back. Happiness is linked to the stomach.
Remember to also talk to their doctor. Sometimes it’s a short moment when a senior refuses to eat. Other times, it’s more than that. Get help from a professional and qualified healthcare worker to create a plan that works well. This includes their dentist to make sure your senior’s oral hygiene is not a cause of concern.
Refusal to eat is very common for seniors, so you’re not alone. However, it is also dangerous if not actively worked on. If you are concerned with your senior loved one’s refusal to eat, talk to their doctor immediately.
New habits around food can be difficult to create alone. Be sure to educate yourself on why your senior might be refusing food and contact help to understand how to overcome this challenge.
For more tips on getting your senior to eat, please contact their doctor, but you can also contact us.
We’re here to help!
Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about dealing with an elderly person refusing to eat and should not be construed as medical advice.
