Practical Tips to Help an Aging Loved One Who Forgets to Eat
It’s common for older adults to experience a decline in their appetite as they age. It’s also common for older adults to forget to eat. Changes in cognition, feelings of depression, side effects of medications, and changes in living situations can all contribute to this issue. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as dementia, can also lead to a senior forgetting to eat.
It’s important that families of aging loved ones are aware of this concern among seniors so that they can take necessary action should they notice their loved one isn’t eating. Common signs an aging family member isn’t eating include sudden weight loss, weakness and fatigue, constipation, dizziness or lightheadedness, changes in mood or behavior, or lack of interest in food. If you’ve observed changes in your loved one’s eating habits, particularly if they seem to forget to eat, start by consulting a healthcare professional for an evaluation. Then, use the following practical tips to help your aging loved one who forgets to eat.
Encourage Small, Frequent Meals
Instead of three larger meals, encourage your loved one to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help increase their appetite and prevent them from feeling too full. Keep healthy snacks available for them to munch on and keep them visible on the counter so that your loved one sees them as they walk past.
Encourage Socialization
Encourage your loved one to share meals with friends or family. Socializing with others during mealtime can make it more enjoyable and help increase their appetite. It also reminds them to eat. Schedule weekly lunch or dinner dates with your loved one. Write the date on their calendar so they remember. Explore in-person dining programs available for seniors here in Fond du Lac. These programs are great for seniors who live alone or who may not have many other social outlets. Encourage your loved one to make new friends at the Senior Center in Fond du Lac.
Utilize Local Services
Another way families can help their aging loved one who forgets to eat is to utilize local services. The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Fond du Lac County has several meal-delivered routes for older adults in the community. Check out other food resources available to seniors in the Fond du Lac area and help your loved one get connected.
Create a Meal Schedule
Although it may seem simple, creating a meal schedule can help remind seniors to eat, especially if they are in the early stages of dementia. Make it colorful and post it in a visible location to remind your loved one when it’s time to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Include snack times, too and reminders to drink water.
Reach out to Visiting Angels Fond du Lac
Visiting Angels Fond du Lac is here to help seniors who forget to eat. Our compassionate caregivers can help seniors meet their nutritional needs by providing mealtime companionship, gently encouraging and reminding them to eat, and assisting with meal planning and preparation. They can also monitor for concerning signs, keeping families informed and calling for emergency assistance when necessary. Visiting Angels Fond du Lac understands that following a healthy nutrition plan can be difficult for seniors and their families. Our home care support can help your loved one benefit from proper nutrition while enhancing their well-being and quality of life. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 920-375-5555.