Family Living Focus: Diet and Nutrition Tips for Seniors

Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor
Emeritus, University of Minnesota

Diet and nutrition can pose problems for older adults for a variety of
reasons.  Following are tips for caregivers to help alleviate any concerns.

Make dining social.  Elderly people often fail to eat well because they do
not like to eat alone.

Take notice of food content in their loved-one’s home.  Keep their
refrigerator well stocked and watch for and remove old or spoiled food in
the fridge.

Serve finger foods or food that is already cut up.  It is easier for less
dexterous hands.

Food portions should be small, so they do not look overwhelming.  Large
volumes of food may spoil an elderly person’s limited appetite.

Monitor your loved-one’s fluid intake. You should make sure they have
adequate fluids by keeping a pitcher of a favorite drink in the refrigerator
and serving from that source.

If your loved one has a decreased appetite, you can:

Offer high caloric drink foods such as ice cream, milk shakes, or eggnog.

Offer familiar foods.  Favorite foods can stimulate the appetite.

Try making the main meal of the day at lunch when the appetite is often
larger.

Sit directly in front of the person and show each spoonful to help them
orient.

Offer 4 to 6 small meals a day instead of 3 larger ones.

If your loved one is having problems swallowing:

Allow time between bites and check mouth periodically for food in the cheek.

You may need to remind the person to swallow.

Gently stroking the throat will help to stimulate swallowing.

Observe and alter food textures that cause the most difficulty.  Liquids can
be thickened with gelatin or applesauce. Solids can be moistened or pureed
for easier swallowing.

If your loved one is having motivational problems

Make the meal look appetizing on their plate.  You can accent their plate
with a fruit or vegetable garnish, coconut flakes, or melon.

Make the dining experience pleasant for the person you are caring for.
Playing soft music, lighting candles, or talking to them about the day’s
events while they are eating will take their minds off not feeling well.

Family Support Systems

Communicate about the status of your loved one with your family and friends.
If people close to you understand what is going on they can give you more
help and support.

Bring the children to visit unless your loved one specifically asks you not
to.  Visits help keep relationships whole and maintain a sense of attachment
and continuity for your loved one.

Try to share the responsibility of care with other members of your family.
Ask if your relative can take your loved one to some of their regular
appointments.

Plan family time together.  You can have a potluck where each person brings
something and you can enjoy family time together.

Watch for more Family Living Focus information from Gail Gilman, Family Life
Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor Emeritus – University of Minnesota
in next week’s paper.