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
My Mother In Law has Alzheimer's and I have been doing shakes for her starting just recently. I also took care of my previous husband with MS for 20 years with feeding tube 15 years. I tell you this because I come from years of experience and really hope to help you.
I blend banana or other fruit to her liking, peanut butter(about a TBSP), one TBSP oil, one scoop of protein powder, I put all her vitamins and minerals (powdered) in as well. I use an ensure to give choc and more vit/min boost if I have them. If not I use hersey's choc. I put fiber powder in and her cranberry powder (for urinary health). I also make different flavors other than choc to mix it up a bit. If she isn't in hospice I would call a hospice company to come out and see if she qualifies, which I can't see that she wouldn't. I am in the middle of figuring out what exactly are my M-I-L's nutritional needs are and will put the shakes together according to that. Protein, fiber, fat, vit/min, and water are the most important elements in whatever combo that is good and tasty. Sweet is better than savory and cold is better than room temp. Also I shake some salt in the shake because of low blood pressure.
Hope this helps you! I'm so sorry you are going through such a difficult time. I wish you the very best.
BZ
Bless you for you caregiving...
KJ
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,
Let us know how it goes, or doesnt go, haha