As individuals get older their eating and drinking habits change and this is especially the case for people with life limiting, life threatening illnesses and those reaching the later stages of their life. As activity levels diminish it is normal to eat and drink less but it can be difficult for carers to decide how much food and drink is appropriate or if there are any specific reasons why someone is having difficulties and how to support them.
Things to consider:
- Does the individual require assessment by a speech and language therapist to assess their swallow?
- Might the individual need adapted cutlery, seating, or environment to help manage their difficultly?
- Accept that if there is little, no appetite, that’s okay and it is part of the body’s way of slowing down naturally, so needs less fuel. The same applies to drinking less.