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.
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, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
