My Mom is 94 and has demetia. Broke her hip this last July and we've been on kind of a roll a coaster since then. UTI's, constipation, MRSA staff, intermittent bouts of insomnia with hallucinations, and now no appetite at all. She was diagnosed with a yeast infection in her mouth and was treated with liquid nystasin. Seems to be gone now, but still no appetite. I've been trying to get her to eat regular food, but she has no appetite and even when she will agree to taste the food (her favorites), she doesn't think they taste good. I've been having her drink 3, 4, 5 ensure pluses a day, but now realize after some research that this is not a good answer. I'm wondering if anyone has some recipes for 'real food' nutritional blended drinks that I could use instead of the ensure drinks. Also, my Mom just today developed a rash on her back and I'm wondering there have been any side effects experienced from a week or two use of ensure drinks? Thanks, KJ
You'll probably get more ideas from the community here, but one I'd suggest is vanilla yogurt with fruit, protein powder and a good, liquid multiple vitamin mix. Frozen fruit, like strawberries, carry a punch of flavor and nutrients, so they are good. I'd check with the local hospital's dietary department for ideas that are agreeable with your mom's medications, as some foods aren't compatible with some medications.
Good luck,
Carol
I limited Ensure it caused mom some bowel issues. As far as a rash, it could be medication related. Mom developed some rashes from time to time. It seemed to be centered around when she was on antibotics.
I hope Ruth 1957 sees this question, as well as Cricket. Both have nutritional expertise. Blessings to you, KJ.
My Mom has her teaspoon of miralax in her decaf tea or decaf coffee each morning,she seems to only like warm drinks, oh, and we have to use a tablespoon and a half of thick it now also.Oh one more thing, I give her am/pm pills in prune pudding that I make, keeps her "going" also ! If you want the recipe let me know. Keep us posted...
This is about how I do it every 2+ weeks...
1 small can of prune juice (5.5 oz) (they come in 6 packs)
1 small container of applesauce (those premade cups)
Bran flakes or Raisin bran (2/3 cup approx)(I fill the applesause cup 1-2 times as a measure)
shakes of sugar (optional)
simmer on stove until all melted together.
(I make this and store in the fridge in a former salsa jar) She loves it, I crush her pills into a shot glass and use about half a shot glass of prune mixture with this am/pm. We went away one long weekend last summer and I forgot it, even thou I was still using the miralax, and she got constipated a little, so it really helps. Hope I explained it well enough to understand.
Let us know how it goes, or doesnt go, haha
As the person with dementia advances in their disease they will have a decrease in appetite, could be from any number of things including having a difficult swallowing regular foods.
Protein to protect from skin breakdown would be one of the more important nutrients to get into her. You can try ice cream milk shakes, fruit smoothies made with yogurt, oj and frozen fruit is a good nutritious option. Try 3/4 cup frozen fruit, 3/4 vanilla or strawberry yogurt and 1/2cup of orange juice, blend until smooth, add more juice if too thick. If your mom can't drink through a straw, try giving it to her by spoon a little bit at a time. I have heard that people recovering from thrush have a hard time with taste, thick, cold, sweet beverages often help with this.
I am sorry that your mom has been through so much.
Sarahjean,