Supporting an Older Person With Poor Appetite

What you will be able to do

• recognise common signs of malnutrition and dehydration in an older person.
• keep a clear food, fluid and weight record to share with the GP.
• prepare for a GP 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, shopping and loneliness.
• support eating for someone with memory problems in a calm, respectful way.
• recognise red flags and know when to call 112 or 999, get same-day advice from the GP or out-of-hours GP service, or book a GP appointment.

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-see-the-GP checker

2. 2Spotting the signs and getting help

   How to keep a simple weight log at home, prepare for a GP appointment and recognise when help is needed urgently.

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

   Weight check logWhen-to-see-the-GP 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 counts towards the Food Pyramid's 8 cups a day, 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 carer.

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

   Weight check logFood and fluid chartWhen-to-see-the-GP checker

• TrackerFood and fluid chartRecord what the person eats and drinks each day so you and the GP can see patterns clearly.
• ListAppetite boosters listA tick-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 the GP.
• CheckerWhen-to-see-the-GP checkerTick what you have noticed to see whether to call 112 or 999, get same-day advice from the GP or out-of-hours GP service, or book a routine GP appointment.