My mom was diagnosed at the age of 89 with Alzheimers's and I have watched her eating decline especially over the last two years. After surviving COVID and a few other issues along with it, she became very weak, can no longer walk or dress herself and is mainly bedbound. I agree with "cwillie" regarding the types of food to try and "JoAnn29's" suggestion to have a doctor determine if there is a swallowing problem.
A couple things to keep in mind, a lot of elderly people lose an interest in eating because their taste buds and/or sense of smell have diminished considerably and depression can play a role. Also when they are not active, they haven't really "worked up an appetite" so to speak.
With my mom who now has had hospice care since May and is in a memory care wing at her new facility, I supply the following foods/drinks that the staff can offer if she doesn't want to eat what they bring her for each meal. Although they may not be the most nutritional foods, they are providing some nourishment and calories. I bring protein shakes, her favorite rice pudding and ice cream bars (they provide yogurt). For fluids, although they provide water and a variety of juices, I bring "Splash" from Nestle Pure Life - it is a very lightly "flavored" water to entice her to drink water. Lastly, I buy her the V8 Energy+ drinks which contain a serving of fruits and vegetables but, they do have some caffeine in them. Those come in a lot of flavors. I drink them as well so I try them first and I know what flavors she would like. We both love the Peach Mango the best.
As for medication, I'm not sure what you think she needs. My mom was taken off all medications. The only thing she takes now is a high dose of Tylenol for her arthritis pain and a very low dose of a depression/anxiety medication which also helps her sleep through the night. I hope that helps and I wish you and your mom well!
When I saw your question I was going to tell you that many times refusing to eat is a signal that the end is approaching but after reading that she has not been eating for six months that obviously is not the case, whatever she is drinking is obviously enough to sustain her. Has she ever had a swallowing study to see if dysphagia is what is causing her refusal to eat solid foods? Have you tried foods with a soft texture like puddings, yogurt or soups, or any pureed foods? If you want you can make all kinds of healthy, calorie filled smoothies to add variety to her diet, and supplements like boost and ensure were made for this.
My mom was diagnosed at the age of 89 with Alzheimers's and I have watched her eating decline especially over the last two years. After surviving COVID and a few other issues along with it, she became very weak, can no longer walk or dress herself and is mainly bedbound. I agree with "cwillie" regarding the types of food to try and "JoAnn29's" suggestion to have a doctor determine if there is a swallowing problem.
A couple things to keep in mind, a lot of elderly people lose an interest in eating because their taste buds and/or sense of smell have diminished considerably and depression can play a role. Also when they are not active, they haven't really "worked up an appetite" so to speak.
With my mom who now has had hospice care since May and is in a memory care wing at her new facility, I supply the following foods/drinks that the staff can offer if she doesn't want to eat what they bring her for each meal. Although they may not be the most nutritional foods, they are providing some nourishment and calories. I bring protein shakes, her favorite rice pudding and ice cream bars (they provide yogurt). For fluids, although they provide water and a variety of juices, I bring "Splash" from Nestle Pure Life - it is a very lightly "flavored" water to entice her to drink water. Lastly, I buy her the V8 Energy+ drinks which contain a serving of fruits and vegetables but, they do have some caffeine in them. Those come in a lot of flavors. I drink them as well so I try them first and I know what flavors she would like. We both love the Peach Mango the best.
As for medication, I'm not sure what you think she needs. My mom was taken off all medications. The only thing she takes now is a high dose of Tylenol for her arthritis pain and a very low dose of a depression/anxiety medication which also helps her sleep through the night. I hope that helps and I wish you and your mom well!