He is 82, with Alzheimer's Disease...I have to feed him most of the time. I just bought a Ninja blender to prepare pureed foods. This is all new to me and do not know how to prepare the foods. I have been giving him sweet potatoes, scrambled eggs, mashed vegetables, pasta, etc. How much does a manhis age need to eat to remain healthy?He does notlike to drink water and his skin is very dry. I worry about dehydration. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. A year ago he was 25 lbs heavier. His current weight is just a little underweight and don't want him to lose any more.
I don't know how big your husband weighs but if he isn't active he needs even less than when he was active.
Take care of yourself and remember to come back here for support.
As far as pureeing, some friends have experienced family liking pureed food and others not so much. You need to try it and not give up if it doesn't work.
Another thing that my mom's nurse suggested from experience working in a SNF was to put sugar in food. The last sense of taste to go is commonly the taste for sweets. I am talking about putting sugar/brown sugar in or on anything including the stuffed bell pepper or lasagna. Another thing my dad used to do is make gravy and cut up the thinly sliced sandwich meat in it and put it on mashed potatoes. I look through the grocery store frozen section for ideas some times. But remember if he doesn't eat anything else it's okay to give desert. I make sure mom has the opportunity to eat nutritious foods but if she doesn't want them and she does want sweets I give them to her. She's not a child that needs to be forced to eat what I want her to eat, I'm sure you agree with this. I don't believe in forcing an adult with dementia or not, to eat anything. But I don't discuss dessert until she's decided not to eat the meal.
I hope this helps. Let me know how your husband does with this.
I am sorry that you have to go through this with your husband. This is a common issue among elders.
Here is an article on Ten Reasons Why Your Aging Parent May Not Be Eating Properly:
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/Ten-Reasons-Why-Your-Aging-Parent-May-Not-Be-Eating-Properly-And-What-You-Can-Do-About-It-133239.htm
This might give you some insight to why your grandparent isn't eating and what to do about it.
Also, I do not recommend Ensure as a meal supplement. Read here what our experts found out:
Think Twice About Giving Elders Nutritional Drinks or Shakes
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/nutritional-drinks-seniors-elderly-problems-139710.htm
Best of Luck,
Karie H.
AgingCare.com Team