Worried Caregiver Feels Responsible for Frail Dad’s Nutrition

Dear Carol: I’m worried about my dad. He’s been diagnosed with vascular dementia, but he also has heart disease and recently had cancer treatment. He’s 87 and failing quickly. Dad used to love to eat. Now, even though I make nutritious meals that were his favorites, he isn’t interested. The doctor says appetite loss is natural for someone so frail and fluids are more important. My head understands this, but as his primary caregiver, I still feel responsible for his nutrition. So far, he’ll take small drinks of water if I remind him, but he shuns food, so he has no energy and he’s losing weight. What can I do to get him to eat so he feels as good as he can for as long as he can?  – CH

Dear CH: I’m sorry that your dad’s health is failing. The first step is working with the doctor and you’re doing that. Keeping in mind what the doctor said, consider adjustments to his food and how you offer it to him. At the very least, you’ll know you’ve done what you can. Things to consider: Don’t pressure or force: Think of when you’ve had the flu and your stomach rejected…

Continue reading on Inforum for more about managing appetite loss in end-of-life care:

Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. “For anyone having to walk the last segments of life with a loved one, read this.” …Delores

Discover the Difference. EGOSAN: The premium incontinence brand caregivers love  –  Now Available on Amazon.