Preventing Malnutrition and Dehydration
- There are many things that you can do to prevent malnutrition and dehydration in yourself, or in your family member or friend who might be at risk.
- When an older adult is not able to eat or drink according to the body’s demand, it increases the risk that the person’s health will deteriorate and they may become frail. Making sure a person eats and drinks well will promote good health and help to prevent frailty or decrease some of the negative outcomes.
- Make mealtimes pleasant and enjoyable.
- Try to eat with others (family and/or friends) when possible.
- Seek/provide help with grocery shopping or meal preparation when needed.
- Consider ordering easily prepared meals from community agencies such as Meals on Wheels.
- Make small, nutritious snacks and drinks (water or fresh fruit!) available and on hand.
- Speak to a dietitian regarding foods and drinks that meet dietary needs. Find one in Ontario here.
- Find food and drinks that you/the person likes that also meet their dietary needs (Click here for some great recipes).
- Schedule/go to regular dental check-ups to prevent dental problems that may impact mealtimes (e.g., tooth pain, bleeding gums, losing dentures, etc.
- Talk to a clinician if you should be taking any vitamins or supplements.
Preventing Malnutrition and Dehydration in People With
Dementia
- Dementia may lead to changes in eating and/or drinking. Such changes happen because a person with dementia may not be able to remember the last time they ate, or recognize that they are hungry or thirsty.
- Those affected by dementia may not able to smell or taste food in the same way they did previously or may not able to initiate the task of eating or drinking. There is lots that can be done to improve the mealtime experience for those with dementia, and make sure that they are eating enough.
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