My 87 yo mother is in a nursing home, and they put her on Megace for appetite stimulation. My issue is that I don't think it is really working all that well, and is horribly expensive ($600/month). She has hit the "donught hole" in her prescription drug coverage, so I am looking at all her meds to see what is working & what is not. Does anyone have experience with any other appetite stimulants besides Megace? I think a big part of her issue is she doesn't care for the type of food they serve at the facility. I do not live near her, so I am unable to supplement her diet with the things she likes. When I visit and take her out, she eats fine. Any recommendations would be appreciated!
Susan
Susan, the food preference may very well be it. Is there any chance the nursing facility can accomodate her? For example, if they know she loves fresh fruit, give her an extra piece. If she always eats a turkey sandwich, give them to her more often? Can they give her nutritionally dense shakes? Perhaps you can speak to the administrator about that.
Another thought that came to mind is the possibility that she needs assistance to eat. When you dine with her, how is she positioned? Is she able to manage the task on her own? When she eats at her residence, is it the same type of set up?
When mom is with me she seems to eat fine, just a bit slow. I have talked to the facility about her food preferences, but I understand that they cannot cater to each individual. They told me they would try to give her bigger serving of the things she likes. I will be going to visit soon, and plan to cook some of her favorite foods to take to her. How she is positioned while dining is a good suggestion. I'll see how she is doing, thanks for the ideas!
Ask for shakes made with Ensure. Have them add ice cream and shake them up. Vary flavors she likes, chocolate, strawberry, vanilla. Does she like mashed potatoes and gravy? Most homes have that and it is easy to eat. Does she like things like V8 which will give her vegetables? Dessert? Anything that she has always liked to encourage her to eat. Have her fed and let her take her time. They do eat very slowly. Perhaps find volunteers that are willing to help feed her and take time would be an option. Also have her checked to make sure she can still swallow correctly. This is sometimes the problem. If so, all of her food needs to be pulverized and flavored well. We are doing all of these things for my husband who is in a home setting.
Loss of appetite is part of this terrible disease. Megace also has a lot of bad side effects. Did they try Remeron to increase her appetite?? Maybe your Mom needs finger foods. They should be able to provide those. Talk to the charge nurse when you visit and ask to talk with the dietitcian.
Good luck!!
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