| Tips To Help Maintain Food InTake | | | | when appetite is larger, keeping the dinner meal smaller |
| Consuming an adequate diet is necessary to obtain | | | | . |
| nutrients and to help individuals stay healthy. The | | | | 2. Have five or six smaller meals, rather than only two |
| following tips are suggestions that have worked for | | | | or three larger meals. |
| some Alzheimer patients. However, each patient is | | | | 3. Take a daily walk or have other physical activity to |
| different; the caregiver will need to determine what | | | | increase appetite. |
| may work for a particular patient. Caregivers need to | | | | 4. Use familiar foods fixed in a familiar way. |
| understand the progressive nature of this disease; | | | | 5. If the patient simply refuses to eat a balanced diet |
| solutions that work today may not necessarily work in | | | | or is not consuming enough calories, consult with the |
| the future. | | | | attending physician about using vitaÂmin and/or |
| Many of the physical, emotional, and social changes | | | | mineral supplements. |
| that occur with aging can cause may people to lose | | | | 6. Try to include at least one food item in the meal you |
| their appetite as they grow older. Not of these | | | | know the patient likes. |
| problems can be corrected, but interest in eating a | | | | Tips To Overcome Mealtime Confusion - |
| well-balanced nutritious diet must be maintained. | | | | 1. Make mealtime a routine that occurs at the same |
| Nutritional needs do not decrease as individuals grow | | | | time, in the same place, and with as little confusion as |
| older, except for a reduction in the amount of calories | | | | possible. |
| needed. A well-balanced nutritious diet can be the best | | | | 2. Make sure physical surroundings are pleasant and |
| defense an individual has for staying healthy and | | | | calm, avoiding unnecessary distractions. |
| preventing illness. The following suggestions may help | | | | 3. Set aside ample time for meals so they are not |
| increase interest and food intake for older persons | | | | rushed. |
| who have decrease in appetites. | | | | 4. Serving one food item at a time may result in less |
| Tips To Increase Appetite - | | | | confusion. |
| 1. Have the main meal of the day at breakfast or lunch | | | | |