Tips for caregivers

Stick to a schedule

Explore valuable tips to support the nutritional care of the person you are caring for.

• Have 4 Meals Daily: Ensure the person you care for has at least 4 meals a day. Include energy foods (pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, etc.), proteins (milk, meat, fish, eggs, soy, lentils, etc.), fruits, and vegetables. Provide snacks mid-morning and mid-afternoon. 

• Don't Skip Meals: Make sure no meals are skipped and serve meals at the same time every day, regardless of whether your loved one is particularly hungry. This can help support their appetite and ease their digestion. 

• Drink Water: Encourage drinking water as the main beverage.  

• Serve at Right Temperature: Serve food at the appropriate temperature, whether hot or cold.  

• Maintain Oral Hygiene: Ensure regular mouth cleaning to enhance taste perception.  

• Social Eating: Encourage eating with others in a calm, relaxed setting to improve food intake and enjoyment.  

• Optimize Texture: Provide soft or mashed foods that are easy to chew, especially if there are dental issues. Avoid adding too much water to mashed foods to maintain nutritional value.  

• Organize Kitchen: Keep a variety of foods in the fridge and pantry and prepare meals in advance for easy access.  

• Take a Walk: A gentle walk before meals can help stimulate appetite if appropriate. 

• Take Your Time: Allow enough time for them to eat slowly and comfortably.  

• Ensure Proper Posture: Make sure they sit upright during meals, even if eating in bed, using pillows if necessary.  

When the Person You Care for Isn't Hungry 

Find strategies to help encourage eating when appetite is low.

• Eat Favorites When Hungry: Enjoy favorite dishes when appetite is highest, focusing on foods high in protein and calories. 

• Small, High-Calorie Meals: Serve small portions of high-calorie and high-protein foods to avoid the feeling of fullness. Add ingredients like grated cheese, egg whites, powdered milk, almond flour, instant mashed potatoes, butter, mayonnaise, honey, olive oil, dried fruits, and protein powder, to main dishes. 

• Make Food Easy to Eat: Prepare protein-rich foods with sauces or bake them to make them easier to chew. Avoid dry foods as they can be tiring to chew. 

• Limit Water During Meals: Drinking too much water during meals can make one feel full quickly. Ensure at least 6 glasses of water are consumed throughout the day. 

• Wear Comfortable Clothing: During meals, wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn't press on the stomach, and avoid tight belts or buttons. 

• Oral Nutritional Supplements: Oral Nutritional Supplements can help the person you care for improve their nutritional status. If a doctor or dietitian prescribes an oral nutritional supplement, be sure that the person takes it at a time that won't reduce appetite for main meals.  

• Seek Professional Help: Always consult a healthcare professional if there is unintentional weight loss, or if the person doesn't feel well. 

Get Creative 

Explore creative ways to make meals more appealing and enjoyable.

• Surprise Effect: Use different dishes, colors, and sizes of glasses to surprise the person eating and make meals more appealing.  

• Combo or Combination plate: Create mixed dishes that look like smaller portions, include all basic food groups, add color, and encourage eating everything on the plate.  

• Play Background Music: Use soothing background music to create a pleasant dining atmosphere.   

• Use Edible Flowers: Add edible flowers to dishes for a touch of elegance and color.  

• Cooking Together: Involve the person in simple cooking tasks to make them feel more connected to the food.  

• Shape Foods: Cut fruits, vegetables, and sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters.  

• Flavored Water: Serve water with slices of fruit, herbs, or cucumbers to make it more enticing.  

• Cultural Cuisines: Experiment with dishes from different cultures to introduce new flavors and experiences.  

• Oral Nutritional Supplements: If a doctor or dietitian prescribes an oral nutritional supplement, incorporate it into delicious recipes or make ice creams to add variety and enjoyment to their diet. Find more recipes in this website. 

Take Care of Yourself

The better care you take of yourself, the better care you can give to the person you take care for. 

• Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is essential for being able to provide the best support for the person you take care for.  

• Maintain Nutrition: Don't neglect your own nutrition, especially during stressful and busy times. Your well-being is important too.  

• Make Time for Yourself: Set aside time each day to do something that brings you joy and relaxation.  

• Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to ask for assistance when needed.