She has lost over 20 lbs. the past year. She has been taking very tiny bites and very tiny sips of anything to drink. They haven't been able to find a reason. she was dehydrated and malnourished, went to hospital. then on to a rehab and has just continued to decline. she is 88 1/2 yrs. old.
Ive been told that not only do there eating habits change due to oral issues or taste issues but their bodies may not even digest or process food the same way it used to. It is a challenge. Honestly though I don't think mom will ever give up ice cream!!! Best of luck.
I tried giving her bites of my home cooking (a lot better than the frozen prepackaged rations she was living on), and learned how to make good smoothies. Toward the end her doc prescribed her with an antidepressant that increases appetite, but she was determined to shut things down and there was nothing a caregiver could really do except keep her comfortable. At that point she probably needed hospice care. Under the circumstances, she went out under her own terms.
Especially important if any medication is still being given.
It also could be the side effect of a medicine, ill fitting teeth, unexplained pain somewhere, change in taste buds - just about anything. Have you asked her why, does she say she's not hungry or does she say nothing tastes good? Do they have her on a feeding tube at rehab? Will she eat ice cream or pudding? You can make protein shakes or fruit shakes or Jell-O. Unjury protein powder can be added to just about anything.
I know this is very frustrating for you. Hope someone else has some ideas for you.