What to Do When an Elderly Person is Refusing to Eat
Noticing changes to an older adult’s eating habits, weight or energy levels can be distressing for loved ones, especially when they’re accompanied by a refusal to eat and loss of appetite. Maintaining a nutritious diet and eating and drinking adequately are essential for good health at any age, so knowing how to help is vital.
In this guide, we’ll explore why an older loved one may experience a loss of appetite and what you can do when they refuse to eat to improve their appetite and overall well-being.
Reasons Why an Older Adult May Stop Eating
In some cases, loss of appetite in elderly people is simply a natural part of ageing and requires less energy to get through the day. Our resting metabolic rate decreases as we get older, which means we require less food than we did when we were younger.
However, if your loved one refuses to eat or you notice signs of restrictive eating, such as trouble swallowing or sudden weight loss, there may be cause for concern. There can be many reasons why an elderly person is eating less, including:
- Dehydration: Age-related changes in the body or certain medications can cause dehydration, which can have a knock-on effect, leading to a loss of appetite.
- Underlying illnesses: Appetite and the ability to chew and swallow can be influenced by medical conditions, such as a thyroid disorder, salivary gland problem, stroke or Parkinson’s.
- Forgetfulness: If your loved one is experiencing significant memory loss or cognitive decline, they may be forgetting to eat and drink.
- Lack of physical activity: People often need to work up an appetite before eating, and reduced mobility may make this more difficult to achieve.
- Food preparation: Older adults living alone may struggle to prepare meals, shop for ingredients and use appliances or utensils.
- Depression or loneliness: Some older adults living alone dislike mealtimes because they have nobody to eat with, intensifying feelings of isolation.
- Loss of taste and smell: Several medical conditions and medications cause a loss of taste and smell, making food less desirable and satisfying.
- Oral health issues: Conditions such as mouth and throat infections, gum disease, ill-fitting dentures, or tooth loss can affect a person’s ability to chew and swallow their food.
- Food aversion: A significant change to your loved one’s routine or environment, such as introducing new foods, different preparation methods and altered schedules, can impact their appetite.
Understanding Why Your Loved One Isn’t Eating
Before you can take any steps to deal with your loved one’s refusal to eat, it’s important to understand what is causing the problem. Are they experiencing a health problem that is affecting their appetite? Is something causing discomfort when they eat? Are they struggling with mental health issues?
Go through the aforementioned checklist and look for clues in your loved one’s home and daily life. Ask questions to find out if anything is bothering them. Observe them at mealtimes and throughout the day. Assess the kitchen for suitability and involve a doctor if you suspect a health issue.
Signs of Malnutrition and Dehydration
Long-term appetite loss and restrictive eating can have serious implications for elderly people’s health. Involve a health professional if you suspect your loved one may be suffering from malnutrition or dehydration.
Signs and symptoms of malnutrition include:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Decreased muscle mass
- Light-headedness and dizziness
- Inability to keep warm
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sore mouth or swollen and bleeding gums
- Recurrent infections
- Fatigue or weakness
- Bloated abdomen
Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:
- Thirst
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Nausea
Tips for Encouraging an Older Adult to Eat
Once you have identified the reason why your loved one is refusing to eat or has lost their appetite, you can take steps to address the issue. Below are several practical tips on encouraging an older adult to eat and increase their diet:
Identify Underlying Health Conditions and Begin Treatment
If loss of appetite is due to a health condition, it is essential to involve a health professional immediately for diagnosis, treatment and advice. Ask the doctor for advice regarding the side effects of the health condition or medications, as well as suggestions on ways to tackle loss of appetite.
Make Meal Preparation Easier and More User-Friendly
Appliances, kitchen layout and utensils can commonly cause appetite problems for older adults if not adapted to suit their needs. Arranging online shopping for food deliveries can help if grocery shopping is a struggle. Services like Meals on Wheels or live-in care services, such as those provided by Country Cousins, can ensure an older adult is well cared for.
Improve and Reduce Feelings of Loneliness and Depression
Focus on spending more time with your loved one. Take them out for coffee and cake, or prepare a meal at home and enjoy it together. Get them out of the house for a change of scene. Fresh air and exercise are very beneficial for low mood, and a trip out can be the highlight of their week.
If you are unable to spend more time with your loved one, consider the benefits of home care services. Companion care is the ideal home care solution for older adults who live alone and have no close family network nearby, as it provides not only practical care but also emotional support.
Read our helpful guide to discover ways to help a lonely or socially isolated loved one feel better.
Introduce Exciting Foods with Strong Flavours and Smells
Growing bored of the foods one eats or not being able to enjoy the smell and taste of food can be overcome by working with your loved one to discover new foods and changing mealtime routines. Use a variety of herbs and spices to flavour your food, and consider how it can be displayed on a plate to make it more visually appealing.
How Country Cousins Can Help
Country Cousins home care services provide the care an older adult needs to live well in the comfort of their home. For your loved one experiencing weight loss and appetite loss, we’re committed to providing outstanding levels of care and support to help them regain their strength, vitality and enjoyment of food.
There are several ways we can help, including:
- Grocery shopping
- Preparing nutritious home-made meals
- Offering companionship and someone to share a meal with
- Cleaning the home
- Taking care of a much-loved pet
- Accompaniment to appointments and trips out locally
The holistic benefits of live-in care for older adults living alone can be life-changing. We ensure a strong focus on upholding independence and dignity, while providing bespoke assistance to enhance quality of life.
1. Is it normal for older people to eat less as they age?
It can be normal for appetite to reduce slightly with age, as energy needs change. However, a sudden or ongoing refusal to eat is not something that should be ignored, especially if it is accompanied by weight loss or increased levels of fatigue.
2. When should I worry if my elderly parent is not eating?
You should be concerned if your loved one is skipping meals regularly, losing weight unintentionally or starts to appear weaker. These can be early signs of malnutrition or dehydration and should be checked by a healthcare professional.
3. Can memory problems cause someone to stop eating?
Yes. Older adults with memory loss or cognitive decline may forget to eat or drink. This may be in part down to struggling to recognise hunger cues or feeling overwhelmed by meal preparation. Gentle reminders and structured routines can help in these situations.
4. How does loneliness affect appetite in older adults?
Loneliness and social isolation can significantly reduce appetite. Many older people find eating alone unenjoyable and may skip meals as a result. Sharing meals or having companionship at mealtimes can make a big difference.
5. What if my loved one says they are not hungry but they look unwell?
Loss of appetite does not always feel like hunger. Illness, medication side effects, depression or pain can all suppress appetite without the person even realising the impact. It is important to look at the wider picture and not just what they say.
6. Are nutritional drinks a good substitute for meals?
Nutritional drinks can be helpful in the short term or as a supplement, but they should not replace meals without medical advice. It is always best to discuss this with a GP or dietitian to make sure that their nutritional needs are being met safely.
7. How can I encourage eating without causing arguments?
Avoid any pressure or confrontation, as this can make mealtimes feel stressful. Offering smaller, more frequent meals, while creating a relaxed, social atmosphere can help encourage eating more naturally.
8. Can dental or swallowing problems cause refusal to eat?
Yes. Mouth pain, ill-fitting dentures or difficulty swallowing can make eating uncomfortable or frightening. If chewing or swallowing seems difficult, it’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Talk to Our Team Today
As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, we have been providing compassionate live-in care to those who need it since 1959 – all from the comfort of their own homes.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm / Saturday & Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
