Blog > How to Handle Mealtimes for Your Elderly Loved One

How to Handle Mealtimes for Your Elderly Loved One

Is your elderly loved one having difficulties with their mealtimes? Maybe you or another family member has noticed that your elderly loved one isn’t eating much at all. They might not be eating when they are hungry or they might not be eating healthy foods anymore. If you have noticed any of these issues or other mealtime issues in your elderly loved one, it is important to do something to help them. This might include hiring elder care providers to help during mealtimes. For now, it might be helpful to know what you should and shouldn’t do to help your elderly loved one.

Things That Don’t Work for Mealtimes

It is important to know that there are some things that won’t work when it comes to helping your elderly loved one with their mealtimes. Some of the things that don’t work in this type of situation include the following:

Nagging or pleading your elderly loved one to get them to eat
Leaving the food on the table even when your elderly loved one has specifically indicated that they aren’t going to eat

If you do these things, it might just aggravate your elderly loved one. It might make them irritated and this could cause even more issues with their mealtimes. With this being said, there are some things that might work to help your elderly loved one at mealtimes.

Things That Could Work for Mealtimes

Having your elderly loved one watch someone cook their food (this could help them if they feel someone is doing something to their food while cooking it)
Making delicious meals that having healthy ingredients in them (healthy ingredients are often more filling)
Make sure all of their food is cut up into smaller pieces (this will help to make it easier if they can’t cut the food themselves)
Having your elderly loved one help to plan the meals (this might make them feel more involved in the process)
Make your elderly loved one more comfortable (if they only want to eat in the living room, then let them)
Track your elderly loved one’s eating habits (this can help you and elder care providers to make a plan for when to provide meals)

These are some of the many things that might help your elderly loved one during their mealtimes.

Conclusion

There are numerous reasons why many elderly people have difficulties eating. Some elderly people will not eat enough, while others might avoid eating altogether. Others might only eat unhealthy foods because they don’t have the energy or capability to cook nutritious meals on their own. From the tips above, you can help your elderly loved one during their mealtimes.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering hiring Elder Care in Thornton, CO, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home today at 303-255-4071.