Episode 1: When She Suddenly Stops Eating
The situation:
Sister usually enjoys her meals. But lately, she leaves most of her food untouched.
She says, “I’m not hungry.”
Should the caregiver simply accept it?
👀 LOOK CLOSER
A sudden or persistent change in appetite can have many possible causes. In older adults, eating less may be associated with changes in taste or smell, dental or swallowing difficulties, medication side effects, pain, illness, low mood, or other health concerns. Unintentional weight loss can sometimes signal an underlying medical problem.
So instead of saying:
“She is just being difficult.”
Try asking:
“What might have changed?”
❤️ WHAT CAN A CAREGIVER DO?
1. OBSERVE
Notice how much she is eating and whether the change continues.
2. ASK GENTLY
“Are you feeling alright?”
“Does anything hurt?”
“Is the food tasting different?”
3. CHECK FOR POSSIBLE BARRIERS
Could she be having difficulty chewing or swallowing? Has her taste or smell changed? Is she experiencing nausea, pain, sadness, or medication-related changes?
4. MAKE MEALTIMES COMFORTABLE
Smaller, more frequent meals may be easier for someone with a poor appetite. A pleasant, social mealtime can also help.
5. DON’T FORCE HER
Encourage rather than pressure. If poor appetite persists, or there is noticeable or rapid unintentional weight loss, involve an appropriate health professional to look for the underlying cause.
🚨 DON’T MISS THE CHANGE
If eating less is accompanied by significant weight loss, difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, marked weakness, confusion, or other concerning changes, don’t treat it as simply “old age.” Seek professional medical assessment.
💙 CSECNG MESSAGE
“When her eating changes, don’t just watch the plate. Notice the person.”
Because sometimes, a change in appetite is a message that something else has changed.
Catholic Sisters Elderly Care Network Ghana
Empowering the aged to do the extraordinary everyday.
