My 90 year old grandfather has suddenly less appetite after medication, what do I do?
He had amoebiasis three weeks ago, and then he was given IV fluid by the doctor at home. With the IV on, his appetite seems to be back from eating a few to finishing a plate of meal. When he was prescribed and taking medications after his lab tests, a few days after, his appetite again decreased. He keeps complaining that the meds make the food disgusting to eat so it's kind of understandable so we opted to give him liquid. After the IV was stopped, and the meds is finished his appetite was never regained. It's always 3 spoons for every meal, so I tried to give him snacks in between just to make sure he eats enough. And now, he refuses to eat more than a spoon or sometimes he just doesn't want to. For context he's bed ridden and can't move that much since his back already hurts.
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Good luck and Peace!
I know some medications can do that.
Being 90 and bedridden, he doesn't need much food.
If any questions, always ask his MD.
For my friend (89) - no medical issues as you mention here - he was getting so thin (and was bedridden), that I brought him foods that he liked that were higher in calories - pizza, eclairs. While the situation is different, you can keep trying to --- see if the meds 'stop' making food taste bad.
If I were you, I would contact his MD immediately.
And remember ... the company (you) is as important - if not more so - than the food. Be with him. These are golden moments to behold.
Touch him; give a gentle massage (neck, shoulders, legs, arms - whatever you can). Since he is bedridden, this is especially helpful - and he'll hopefully enjoy it.
Gena / Touch Matters
Hospice can also keep his back pain under better control as well. They will send a nurse out once a week to start, and aides to bathe him at least twice a week. They also supply all needed equipment, supplies and medications all covered 100% under your grandfathers Medicare.
Being bedridden your grandfather isn't exerting much energy, so it's not uncommon to not have much of an appetite, so like already said, just let him eat what he wants if he wants.
You can also try giving him some high calorie Boost, or Ensure as well.
But do encourage him!
Best of luck!
With a 90 year old I would let him eat exactly what he wants when he wants it There's no sense in trying to control this one thing he should still have in his own control.
Do understand that the very elderly need next to NOTHING to sustain life in terms of food intake.