Mom is now drinking on average 6 Boost drinks a day instead of eating food. Need suggestions and advice.

I have several observations after reading all the posts. You mentioned depression. It’s February, and who isn’t feeling a bit of Seasonal Affective Disorder, aka the winter blues, cabin fever? Eating is a social activity and you mentioned she will eat when you go out, eat when you prepare a meal, she used to prepare the holiday meals..see the pattern? When a person lives alone, eats alone, has a history of depression, it’s much easier to open the fridge, open a bottle of boost and retreat back to the recliner than to open a meal, Reheat, and sit at the kitchen table...alone. There are a plethora of great suggestions and realities in this thread. Each person is an individual and each solution is different. Sometimes it is trial and error, so know you are not failing because you are showing up, putting in a lot of effort and trying. Do not beat yourself up. All of here can list numerous times we have tried something and IT failed (not us), or it worked for a time...it is an ever-changing situation and you need to be flexible. You’re doing great!
Other possibilities that I feel are worth mentioning/repeating....
*mouth hygiene; ulcers can form under dentures that are not being cleaned/removed daily. This is very uncomfortable to eat with. Dentures should be removed at night, mouth and teeth should be cleaned daily at a minimum.
*smaller appetite= smaller portions. Package meals in small containers. Label clearly, maybe add reheating instructions. I use paper medical tape. It is easily removed. Freeze extras in small container to pull out easily when needed.
*limit accessibility to boosts/ensure. Label these also if you want with the day. Explain they are a treat/supplement, not a meal replacement.
*Increase social activity. I read that she didn’t enjoy some of the things you tried, but keep trying. Can a grandchild, nephew, neighbor, friend eat a meal with her once a week? Those visits can add up. It does take a village! If she used to enjoy cooking, definitely include her in the grocery list, shopping and meal preparation. Cooking together is fun. It may elevate both of your moods. Senior cooking class?
*access to high calorie/high protein snacks. I bake sweet breads, add vegetables, protein powder, slice and leave in a visible area in the kitchen. When she goes to the fridge looking for a boost, she can grab a slice of something sweet and (somewhat) nutritional. I also put out salty snacks to encourage thirst. Which leads me to...
*Dehydration/UTIs are so common at this age. I would also purchase Gatorade and push water/fluids/juices. These drinks will help keep her hydrated, giving more energy as well.
Keep up the good work!

My mom is on a pureed diet . When she was diagnosed 5 years ago with a swallowing disease the Doctor offered us NO help what so ever, Again most Doctors no nothing about Nutrition and when someone reached their late 80's and beyond Doctors figure it's all over,
However I run a Nutrition Business ( no not selling products) but educating those who have a hard time with diets and general nutrition advice for elderly.

Through lots and lots of research I came across a 500 calorie a day shake with 22 grams of protein.

I just did some reading on Boost Shakes, They are only to be used as a supplement to a balanced diet , not a meal replacement.. BOOST ORIGINAL NUTRITIONAL SHAKE: BOOST Original provides 10 g protein, 240 calories, and 27 vitamins and minerals to help you get complete and balanced nutrition. Perfect as a mini-meal or snack. ... Chocolate, strawberry, & vanilla flavors make it an easy & delicious way to add nutrition to a balanced diet.

Here is the nutrition label for boost:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boost.com%2Fproducts%2Fhigh-protein&psig=AOvVaw0PBIET_QMicQyr7SfeGT_4&ust=1583160037100000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCMj3rYbB-ecCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAF

Now I order my Moms Nutritional Shakes for Hormel Health Labs www.hormelhealthlabs.com and i have her use Hormel Vital Cuisine Shakes, they are more money then Boost BUT they will probably help her stay full longer as they contain more nutrients then Boost
label from Vital Cuisine : Notice they contain double the calories of boost , and have lots of potassium that seniors need.
Nutrition Facts
1 servings per container
Serving size
1 Container (8.45 fl oz/ 250mL)
Amount Per Serving Calories 520 % Daily Value* Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 0

Polyunsaturated Fat 0

Monounsaturated Fat 0
Cholesterol 30mg 10% Sodium 380mg 17% Total Carbohydrate 60g 22%
Dietary Fiber 0 0
Total Sugars 27g

Includes 21g added sugars 42% Protein 22g 44% Vitamin D 0 0 Calcium 650mg 50% Iron 1mg 4% Potassium 380mg 8% Vitamin A 20mcg 2% Vitamin C 0 0 Vitamin K 0 Phosphorus 0 Magnesium 0 Zinc 0 Copper 0 Moisture 0
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day
and the ingredients:
Reduced Fat Milk, Water, Maltodextrin, Milk Protein Concentrate, Canola Oil, Sugar, Contains 2% or less of Cocoa Powder Processed with Alkali, Stabilizer (Sodium Citrate, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Carrageenan, Maltodextrin), Propylene Glycol, Soy Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Alcohol, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Ascorbic Acid, Gellan Gum, Carrageenan, Modified Food Starch. CONTAINS: MILK, SOY.

Notice that protein concentrate is the #3 ingredient in this shake.

If you say she only eats meals you prepare continue to do so, tell her these shakes are to compliment her meal, say like a nice dessert. do you buy her healthy options of single servings frozen dinners? They come in handy when time is an issue. Whatever you do get her off those Boost shakes they are not giving her the nutrition she needs... If you need any more help please reach out to me and again I'm not trying to sell you anything I just want to make sure our parents as they get older have the proper nutrition...

You could buy Nestle's Instant Breakfast powder or Nesquick. Nesquik and a gallon of whole milk will probably cost about $10. If you buy in bulk, it will be less.

I think you need to provide a very soft diet in lieu of the drinks. If you have difficulty making them, they are available from Hormel's, Nestles, and Thick-It direct or through distributors.

Can you say the store was “out” of Boost and bring her a crockpot of soup instead. If Dementia is setting in she might be easily confused/distracted. If you bring it less often with excuses of less store stock maybe she will eat the soup or other soft easy to eat foods. Maybe bring her some pudding too as a treat/dessert. My dads AL always has desserts and multiple sweet snacks daily for the patients to keep up their calories.

I’m going to be blunt here. It sounds like she could be declining. Do you have paperwork in order now in case her health suddenly takes a turn? We did not realize how fast our dad was declining since he lived alone. Are you on her bank account? Do you have POA? It’s so much easier to take care of that now. My fathers eldercare attorney charged quite a lot to travel to his nursing home and get his signature on paperwork. If she owns her home is all the paperwork in order for you to sell if necessary. It’s very expensive and a long process if not.

Can you spent time and help your mom eat the food you prepare? My dad is in AL and the staff or I have to sit with him to get him to eat. I’ve noticed quite a few of the patients are the same way.

I would try to ration the boost drinks if you can. Only give her 2 a day. Those are to be used as supplements to meals, not in place of. Talk with her doctor and get a written note in how much to drink a day and show it to her when needed.

Is there a reason she doesn't want to eat food? For example, ill-fitting dentures or painful chewing, swallowing, dry mouth? You may ask your DR if they have a nutritionist in their practice, or could refer you to one perhaps at a hospital nearby. The nutritionist can look at what she's been eating, assess your moms nutritional requirements and her ability to consume regular meals. She will have suggestions for you re:best foods to try. Have you tried home made smoothies ? These can be nutritious with yogurt, fruits, veggies.

I choose to make most of my nutrition be via liquid. I am healthy. The fluids are healthy. I don't attempt to force other people to get their nutrition via fluids. Don't make problems where none exist.

Six a day seems like too much. Think of them as liquid vitamins. That much vitamin supplementation seems excessive and may not be a healthy choice particularly if you look at the amount of vitamins she is taking in. 1920 mg of calcium everyday in the form of a supplement is too much. It's also too much supplemented iron and manganese. It sounds like either she is having trouble with chewing or swallowing or she doesn't have the energy or interest or memory to prepare food. If chewing isn't a problem, then you can entice her with easy foods that don't require prep. As a treat, I used to get mom a 10 ct of shrimp with cocktail sauce. She could easily eat them 1 or 2 at a time over a couple of days. Breakfast cereal with sliced banana was an easy go to for her that she could do on her own at any hour. If she is able to afford assisted living, having meals prepared daily would be beneficial. If she can't afford that, she might qualify for in-home help. One of my mothers helpers made an excellent bowl of cream of wheat (made with milk) that mom looked forward to everyday. Another helper made terrific scrambled eggs.

Essentially, a neglect in personal care on such a magnitude signals a shift in the nature of her ability to care for herself. If it has not yet occurred, there will likely be a gradual increase in personal neglect such as reluctance to bathe, or omission of daily medication regimens, lack of physical activity, etc.

I'd suggest, from personal experience as well as empirical observation of numerous others in such predicaments, that it is time to find a professional to help assess mom's need for assistance at least part time.

I struggled with a great many of the same issues you have offered in your own case, and through much agony and trial by fire, I finally realized that cognition and conversationalism does not equate with self-sustainability. In otherwords, simply because mom has all the trappings of a person with the ability to function on her own, she simply does not any longer.

I'm 33, I've been caretaking my late 80s grandparents for several years now who both have very different levels of care, but I knew when they were no longer remembering to eat the food I'd spent much of the weekend preparing for them because they "forgot" or it was "a lot of work to plate and heat" said food, that they couldn't live on delivery which is largely comprised of carbohydrates and 5x the safe daily dose of sodium.

Learn to see reluctance and excuses to neglect oneself as a subtle, albeit perhaps unwitting message -request perhaps- to intervene and increase care as well as your own peace of mind.

It sounds like resources may be quite tight. The bottom line: if mom has the funds, she should be paying for her food her care, period. She can not take that money with her when she's gone. If you have a reluctance to discuss this with her, you must move beyond it and lay out reasonable terms to both fund and alter her lifestyle in a way that suits you BOTH.

This can be a very difficult thing to do for the kind and empathic ones out there, but life does not wait for you to become ready, life moves in sudden and unexpected directions, swiftly and often without subtlety.

Check out the National Institute of Health (NIH) as well as your state and county's local resources and departments Aging. Most have them and they are incredibly useful.

I wish you best of luck, and even better diligence in moving swiftly forward to a reasonable solution. Mom will likely be much less resistant than you fear.

I am sorry you are going through this. I know how difficult it is. My MIL did the same thing in her final years and I know several others who also lost their interest in solid food in their final years. I am 69, so many of the people I know have elderly parents or recently deceased parents. We all struggle to do what we can to keep our elders functioning as "normally" as possible. A few of us have begun to question the wisdom of trying to get our aging (and dying) parents to resume the eating patterns of their younger days.

I agree with those who have suggested that you find more nutritionally complete liquid nutrition that would be more like a meal. However, it may be a losing fight to try to cajole or force her to eat more solid food. Ultimately, the struggle will be yours, not hers, and you will probably lose.

I would suggest that you do make sure that she have good, soft foods available to her, like packaged macaroni and cheese and frozen scrambled eggs. Buy things that are real food, but soft. Another good option is little containers of cottage cheese with fruit. These things are not economical and they are not environmentally sensible (so much single use plastic!) but if they are present and easily available your mother may eat a little. Don't overbuy. For my mother, I buy just one or two of something, then check the refrigerator/freezer the next week to see if thy have disappeared. Usually they have not.

If there is nothing that you find that she willingly eats, you may have to reconcile yourself to the idea that her body is simply changing and her interest in the process of eating is failing. Take your time, spend time with her, try to enjoy what you can of her last year or two, and let the process work itself out. Try not to become obsessed with her eating. It will help neither of you.

When my husband's aunt, whom I loved as though she were my own, was in her final months I spent a lot of time in her hospice room. I arranged to work on my computer in her room several days per week (there are advantages to being a computer programmer). One day I was working in the corner and Aunt Dari's sister was by her side, offering her water, juice, applesauce, etc., etc., when Dari finally pushed her away and told me to please come over to her side. She glared at her sister, then looked at me and said, "She thinks that if she can force enough of that crap down my throat I won't die." Then she thought a bit about what she said and laughed. "I'll win this fight. You wait and see. I'll die anyway." Then she laughed again. I held her hand and we talked of times past, walking through Central Park, the flowers by the lake, all the good times. She passed about 4 weeks later.

There is no medical explanation that I have heard, but this happens so often that I think we should think about respecting the wishes and desires of those who are in their final years. The goal is not to keep them alive as long as possible, but to keep their life as good as possible as long as their bodies are willing to live.

Have you thought about an appetite stimulant? My husband has dementia and is not much interested in eating unless he gets this medication. It’s made a big difference and he doesn’t mind having his food cut up and fed to him either, even though most of the AL staff insist that it’s not necessary. 😊

BLTmom - A year ago, my Alzheimer's mother was not eat solid food either. She started out eating less and less solid food, and kept drinking more and more nutritional supplements until she was drinking 7 to 8 bottles a day. We bought the low sugar variety of Boost or Glucerna brand.

She refused to eat anything and said food made her nauseous. That went on for almost a year. The good thing was that she got MUCH stronger. She went from needing the wheelchair when we went out, to using the walker, to the cane and to walking on her own without help. One time when we were out, I told her to wait for me downstairs while I went up to the 2nd floor of the parking garage to get my car. She refused to wait and followed me up two flights of stairs. I was shocked that she had the strength to do that. She was out of breath but she made it up.

Anyhow, this diet was costing a lot of money each month, but her SS money was used to pay for it, plus I didn't have to cook special food for her anymore. So, one less thing to worry about.

However, last January, my mom moved to her own place which she shared with her sister, my aunt. My aunt could convince my mom to do things that I couldn't. So, gradually, my mom started eating food my aunt cooked. My aunt is a very good cook. She used to work as a cook at a casino in Vegas, so everything she cooks is delicious. Also, my aunt tells my mom she can't go out if she doesn't eat and polish off her plate. My mom is still very healthy, and she only drinks one bottle of supplement a day.

For you particular situation, I don't know what to suggest to make your mom eat more solid food. She is getting a lot of vitamins and minerals from the Boost supplements, probably way more than she needs.

To save money, perhaps you can wash and refill the empty bottles with flavored milk or diluted juice and place them in the fridge? Maybe you can puree some cooked oatmeal in with the milk so it has some bulk? Will she eat/drink puree soup?

Oh, I also used to add some water (1/3 bottle) to the supplements I gave my mom because she refused to drink water. Maybe, you can add water and make more drink using the empty bottles, also keep them in the fridge so they don't go bad.

Part of the problem may be that, if she drinks a Boost, it fills her up and so she is no longer hungry. A stomach full of liquid is still a full stomach, so she does not want to eat. It is the same as a child with a Happy meal and a shake, if they drink the whole shake they will not want the burger and apple slices. Sounds like she needs a caregiver who can come, make her a soft breakfast, maybe do some housekeeping work, allow her to have a shake AFTER breakfast, make a lunch, another shake, and leave a hot meal she can eat for dinner. I take care of my friend Richard, if I come in the morning and we eat eggs together, he is happy, then Meals on Wheels brings him a hot lunch, and I leave him a small frozen dinner, like a Lean Cuisine or similar, in a Hot Logic box that plugs in beside his chair, so he does not need to get up and walk to the kitchen, put a meal in the microwave, wait for it to warm up....He is a fall risk, his legs are weak from Post Polio syndrome, and the slick tile floor in the kitchen is his enemy. Look into in home supportive services, in some states they are funded by medicaid or medicare, will send a "lay caregiver" at minimum wage for a few hours a day.

Hello,

I think that an average of 6 of these types of drinks is too much and a vitamins & minerals overload, however if she was weak & frail before and it seems she’s getting stronger maybe she’s absorbing most of the vitamins & minerals (we don’t all absorb all vitamins & minerals The same way). Find out with bloodwork from her Dr if all is okay and as it should be. If she has the funds for this, of course let her purchase them. If my mom wasn’t eating anything at all but at least drinking fluids and being hydrated sometimes that’s what’s best, definitely ask a Nutritionist, Geriatric Dr. What about diluting each can, with water or juice, so that’s it’s 3 a day instead?

Puréed foods, soft foods are the way to go along with these drinks. making them yourself is way more economical than purchasing a delivery system, but whatever is best for you both is the route to go!

I make NutriBlasts every morning for me & my mom, I’ve been doing these for breakfast for 13 years and the only time I didn’t (couldn't really) was when we went on a cruise, the appliance was not allowed on board!
I add 3 servings of veggies, 1 fruit serving (we’re both diabetics), non-fat Greek yogurt, chia/flaxseed, raw pumpkin seeds, raw sunflower seeds, raw walnuts, cocao, turmeric, Ceylon cinnamon (all unsalted), it’s full of protein, healthy fats, fiber & good carbs. It’s expensive but worth every penny and a lot of work every morning to chop and blend lol. I also cook lunch & dinner and provide healthy snacks on a daily basis. My mom does have a choking problem with beverages like water so I bought her a sippy cup (the childrens kind) I’ve tried special cups with the nose part cut out for this type of problem, still choked, even bought a special type of straw that didn’t work with water.

Good luck with this, it’s tough taking care of someone else.

Supplementing more than 1 meal with a liquid is not advised. Who advised such a thing? My mom's Dr advised boost as 'in addition' to her meals but not as a 'replacement' to a meal. Why not eating meals unless from you? Who provides them otherwise? Not to her liking in flavor or ?? Does she have teeth/chew issues?

Get her counseling … a family preacher, what does the doctor have to say about it? Perhaps NOW is the time for a white lie to get her into an assisted living where the food is served 3 times a day -- a snack at 3pm... BETTER to give her no choices since the senility is keeping her from making wise choices.

I agree with LittleOrchid...

There are many different "Boosts"... the one Mom should be drinking is Boost Plus w/ 360 calories. Six of those offer 2160 calories which should be enough to stablize her weight and stop the weight loss. I would not push food on someone who really does not want to eat, but be grateful she's consuming something nutritious... DO BOOST her calories.

I wouldn’t give more than 1-2 boost a day since it has a lot of sugar. Water, tea & soup ok .

It sounds like she is living alone, but probably should be in AL or at least have someone who comes to the house for a few hours/day and can cook for her. As others have said, maybe tasty food that is softer like pureed food or hamburgers, etc. scrambled eggs are great.

It does sound like she needs more daily support and stimulation.

She needs to see her physician now.

Just wondering. Have you tried making her some instant mashed potatoes and mash up some green beans? I said instant because you may have time constraints. Just see IF she CAN eat. Maybe she isn’t telling you that she has swallowing problems or something. We never know. I also would try to talk to her doctor to find out if he/she has heard of this before. Good luck to you.

Sometimes the elderly don't want to eat solid foods because it makes their stomach hurt. You may want to talk to her about this or check about it on the internet.

Maybe this is a dumb question, but do you eat your meals with your mom? If not, maybe she does not see and smell what she is missing. Do you cook any of her favorite meals? Can you take her to one of her favorite restaurants to eat (where, of course, Boost is not on the menu.)

Would she enjoy sipping on some broth? I was recently told that organic broths and stocks are super foods. I have purchased my first organic chicken and very anxious to see if any results. It is suppose to help what ails you from rheumatoid arthritis to UTI.

In addition to the expense, it is important to know that Boost is not a substitute for food. It is meant to be a supplement. I would be concerned that she is not receiving all the nutrients that a normal diet provides and I am also concerned about the increased risk of developing diabetes.

Is there an issue with dentition? Can she breath while she is eating? COPD makes it heard to eat and breath at the same time. If so would she benefit from eating soft goods and nutrient dense soups? Would she benefit from eating a more plant based diet? Is any medication causing loss of appetite or upset stomach? Does she have a dining buddy? Is she suffering from depression or body dysphoria? Is this a control issue? (Has she lost control over many aspects of her life and she is maintaining some sense of control by what she does and does not put in her mouth?)

I think she needs to be assessed by her PCP as soon as you can get her in there?

She is 82 and has earned the right to eat and drink what ever she wants. Let her enjoy her self. Don't try to get her to live forever. None of us do.

Regarding cost, I order cases of Equate nutritional drinks which is the Walmart version of Ensure. Costs less and delivery is quick. Also no shipping charge on orders $35 and over. My 94 year old mother loves them. I blend ice cream, milk, bananas and peanut butter with them at times. They come in flavors of chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and banana. A nurse told me once "there's people who live off of those things" referring to nutritional drinks such as Ensure. Good luck to you and God bless. You are an awesome daughter for caring so much about your mother's nutritional needs.

Just ask the doctor if she needs any kind of vitamin/mineral supplements to go along with the Boost and then ....let it go! She has made her choice and this is what she wants. You are not in her shoes. She’s over 80 years old. Let her choose. That is all the rights she feels she has now.

Hi BLT mom:

I am sorry to hear that you have to spend $25 dollars every 4 days on Boost. That is about $50 per week.

That is a lot of money to some people, and people with money can often be insensitive to someone having to spend that much each week.

As someone else suggested A vitamin mineral supplement plus a whey protein supplement may be less expensive to use.

If dental problems or swallowing issues are the cause can you blend food in a blender to make it soft. For example mashed potatoes and carrots with milk added for protein.

Puddings with an extra egg added during cooking may help. Applesauce, yogurt, farina with eggs added during cooking, high quality ice cream, etc.