Your mom has Alzheimer’s and refuses to eat. It’s common, and in some case, it’s a sign that the disease has reached the final stages. It can also be distress over something as little as no longer liking a food or not being able to see it. Here are six tips you can try if your mom isn’t eating.

Make Sure the Meal and Plate Contrast

As Alzheimer’s progresses, the distinction between colors is tricky. It could be your mom isn’t eating things because she cannot see them. Boston University’s Red Plate study found that serving meals on very bright plates, especially red ones, helped with eating.

If you think about it, seeing white rice on a white plate could be tricky when you’re no longer able to discern slight changes in shades and tones. It’s not always going to help, but it’s a good place to start.

Serve Smaller Meals

Don’t overwhelm your mom with options. Serve extra meals throughout the day, but stick to one or two items. Instead of giving her eggs, home fries, toast, and bacon for breakfast, offer her some toast and fruit when she gets up. Bring her a miniature quiche a couple hours later. Give her a small bowl of cottage cheese at lunch.

Think of Spain’s tapas or small plates. Offer your mom snacks and appetizers throughout the day instead of large meals.

Make Sure Foods Are Not Too Hot

If your mom burns herself eating something, she won’t want to keep eating. The pain of the burn will continue to distract her. If an item is still too hot to eat, let it cool longer before bringing it to the table.

Keep Up With Changing Tastes

As you age, your taste buds and sense of smell weaken. Your mom may have loved the smell of fish, but now she says it makes her sick. Keep track of those changes and avoid those foods. If you can’t avoid a specific food, use herbs or other strong scents to create a more pleasing scent.

Purchase Easy to Hold Eating Utensils

If your mom’s fingers don’t quite grasp things the way they used to, it can be hard to hold a fork or spoon steady. Look for eating utensils that have wider handles. If it’s comfortable in her hand, she’s less likely to spill foods and become frustrated while eating.

Eat With Her

Your mom may not enjoy eating alone. Sit down and eat the meal with her. Chat while you eat so that she has company. She’s likely to eat more food when she has company at the table.

If you can’t join her for dinner, hire caregivers to sit with her at meals. Caregivers can also help prepare and serve meals. They can do the dishes after. Call a home care agency to learn more about the services provided by caregivers.

Sources:
https://www.bu.edu/news/2004/09/24/bright-colors-spur-alzheimers-patients-to-eat-drink-more/

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Caregivers in Pinellas Park, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.