Supporting an Older Person With Poor Appetite

What you will be able to do

• recognize common signs of malnutrition and dehydration in an older person.
• keep a clear food, fluid and weight record to share with their doctor.
• prepare for a doctor's appointment with the right information and questions.
• plan small, frequent meals and snacks built around foods the person enjoys.
• add energy and protein to everyday foods, after checking it suits the person's health.
• spot and ease everyday barriers such as dental problems, constipation, grocery shopping and loneliness.
• support eating for someone with memory problems in a calm, respectful way.
• recognize red flags and know when to call 911, the doctor's office or a crisis line.

1. 1Understanding poor appetite in later life

   Why appetite often drops as people get older, the everyday and health-related reasons behind it, and why it is worth taking seriously.

   • Why appetite changes with age
   • Why eating too little matters
   • Your role as a supporter

   When-to-call-the-doctor checker

2. 2Spotting the signs and getting help

   How to keep a simple weight log at home, prepare for a doctor's appointment and recognize when help is needed urgently.

   • Keeping an eye on weight at home
   • Preparing for the doctor's appointment
   • Red flags: when to get help quickly

   Weight check logWhen-to-call-the-doctor checker

3. 3Little and often: making every mouthful count

   How small, frequent meals and snacks and simple food fortification can help someone with a small appetite get more from what they eat.

   • Why small, frequent meals work
   • Food fortification: more goodness in the same amount
   • Planning a week of small meals

   Small-meals plannerAppetite boosters list

4. 4Drinks and staying hydrated

   Why older people are more likely to drink too little, what the US guidelines say about drinks, and how drinks can add nourishment too.

   • Why fluids matter in later life
   • Drinks that nourish as well as hydrate

   Food and fluid chart

5. 5Making mealtimes easier and more enjoyable

   Practical ways to make food more appealing, deal with everyday barriers like teeth, constipation and shopping, and support someone living with memory problems.

   • Company, setting and appeal
   • Everyday barriers and how to ease them
   • Supporting someone with memory problems

   Appetite boosters listFood and fluid chart

6. 6Respect, support and reviewing progress

   How to talk about food without pressure, who else can help, and how to review your notes and look after yourself as a caregiver.

   • Talking about food without pressure
   • Building a support network
   • Reviewing progress and looking after yourself

   Weight check logFood and fluid chartWhen-to-call-the-doctor checker

• TrackerFood and fluid chartRecord what the person eats and drinks each day so you and their doctor can see patterns clearly.
• ListAppetite boosters listA check-and-edit list of practical ideas to make food more tempting and nourishing for someone with a small appetite.
• PlannerSmall-meals plannerPlan a week of small meals and snacks built around foods the person enjoys, and note who will make or bring each one.
• TrackerWeight check logKeep a simple weekly record of weight, or of looser clothes and rings, to share with their doctor.
• CheckerWhen-to-call-the-doctor checkerCheck what you have noticed to see whether to call 911, get same-day advice from their doctor's office, or book a routine appointment.