Meals and Eating Questions

1. How do I handle my mother's erratic behavior in the hospital after her surgical procedure?

   It's not uncommon for patients -- especially older people -- to become delirious in the hospital. Just being in a strange environment with disruptive visits by doctors and nurses can be very disorienting. Try not to worry too much about your mother saying she wants a divorce; chances are she's just agitated and confused...
   1 Expert Answer

2. What's a Good Alternative for Someone Who Doesn't Like the Taste and Texture of Commercial Thickeners?

   Most commercial thickeners are essentially modified cornstarch, and -- to me, at least -- some of them do taste pretty nasty. However, it's worth experimenting with different brands, as there are many different thickener products on the market, and they don't all taste alike...
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

3. Are Thickeners a Good Way to Keep Someone With Swallowing Problems From Choking?

   It's worth a try. Most experts believe that thickening liquids makes it easier for liquids to go down the throat without causing choking. Also, people with swallowing problems, otherwise known as dysphagia, can breathe small particles into their lungs when swallowing thin liquids, sometimes even without being aware of it...
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

4. Is drinking red wine a bad choice for someone with high blood sugar?

   While there is alot of research going on about red wine, there are no recommendations out right now about how much is beneficial in diabetics. The American Diabetes Association recommends no more than 2 drinks per day in a male with diabetes. A glass of red wine has a low glycemic index, which means that it has very little effect on raising blood sugars...
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

5. How Can I Get Someone With a Damaged Sense of Taste to Eat?

   Many conditions, such as stroke, Alzheimer's, and cancer, cause people to lose or change their sense of taste. Treatments including radiation and chemo also affect the sense of taste. Sometimes this goes hand in hand with swallowing problems (dysphagia), and sometimes it's taste alone...
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer

6. How do I encourage my father without being a nag?

   Of course you want your father to eat right and get regular exercise; you love him and want him to be healthy, and to live as long as possible. But while it's great to offer an encouraging word once in awhile, there's a fine line between encouraging and nagging. Besides, it sounds like he's not listening, so what's the point...
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

7. What Can I Feed an Older Relative Who Has Difficulty Swallowing?

   Food preparation is important to consider when you have a relative who has difficulty swallowing. Offering a wide variety of foods cooked and served so that chewing and swallowing will be easier can make all the difference in the person's overall nutrition and health.
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

8. Is it bad for my 92 year old father to eat McDonald's every morning?

   Dale, it sounds like your father is doing great. While I'm sure no medical expert would recommend eating breakfast at McDonald's that frequently, your father is 92 and active, with a busy social life. What more can one hope for?
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9. How do I encourage my father without being a nag?

   Remember the old saw, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink"? You can encourage your father to eat well and exercise, but it is up to him to follow through.
   1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

10. How can I help my father get up from a fall without causing injury to him or me?

    It sounds like your father is certainly dealing with a difficult combination of medical issues. I can't recommend highly enough that you and your dad see a physical therapist to help him learn safe ways of moving. A physical therapist can also teach you how to safely assist him...
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11. How can I convince my mom to stop using the stove?

    I definitely don't agree with the advice that says "let her cook". That is asking for disaster. If you know an elder is unsafe around a stove or microwave, and she uses it when she's alone, use common sense as others have suggested and disable the stove or remove it. Same with the microwave, unless someone is there to operate it with her...
    2 Expert Answers, 8 Community Answers

12. How can I help Mom eat and sleep?

    Your mother sounds like she has several issues. I will try to break them down individually, as this will make them easier to work on.
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Sponsored Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

13. My aunt has decided not to eat, what can I do to help her?

    It is not uncommon for an older adult to stop eating but there are many reasons for this behavior. It is imperative that the 'why' be identified immediately. If the individual is cognitively intact and has insight into her behavior, than she can answer the question. She would be able then to say, "I don't want to live any longer" for instance...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

14. Should my active parent check his blood sugar during exercise?

    Your father should check his blood glucose if he notices symptoms such as shakiness, nervousness, vision changes, hunger, dizziness, headache, confusion, or sweating. These are all potential signs of low blood sugar, which can be brought on by physical activity.
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15. My mother needs help but is unwilling to accept it. What should I do?

    At some point, our loved ones' choices seem to go from bad to worse. We see our parents spinning out of control and we know we are the only thing that stands between them and a disaster. We do for them what they did for us when we were in their care. We move them decisively out of harm's way. Often it is not appreciated...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

16. How do I get my dementia patient to eat?

    People with dementia often become depressed and just lose their appetites. Ask his doctor about this concern as there are medications to stimulate appetite. If he will exercise with you it may help his muscle mass as well as lifting his spirits.
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

17. After losing the ability to swallow, how long can my mom last?

    This is a tough situation. It sounds like your mother has gotten pretty sick, and her appetite is poor. Sometimes, when people get an infection (like a UTI), they can get weak and confused. Her poor swallowing and lack of appetite may be related to the infection, and this problem can sometimes improve once the infection is treated...
    1 Expert Answer, 9 Community Answers

18. What could be the reason for the metallic taste in my mouth?

    Please see your doctor to discuss this concern. There are several things that can cause a lingering taste or odor in the mouth including gum or dental conditions, medications, diet, eating habits, and intestinal conditions. It's possible your head injury played a role. You need to see a medical doctor for an examination and diagnosis...
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

19. Can cancer recur in a different area?

    Hi. It is always possible for cancer to appear in another part of the body but you can schedule regular exams with your doctor and try not to think about the danger of this occurring often. In other words, try and eat well so you get proper nutrition, exercise often if you can and think positively...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

20. Is my father hallucinating from his medication?

    I think that you are right, that something is going on with your father. When you talk about hallucinations, that makes me think he is delirious. Delirium in older people can have numerous causes. These can include infections, medication changes, illness, or depression...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer