Globe Syndicate
For release Friday June 13, 2002
The Sandwich Generation . . . Helping Your Aging Parents
by Carol Abaya, M.A.
FOOD CRITICAL TO BETTER HEALTH
Question: My mother, 77, had pneumonia and was in the hospital two weeks. Now
she is very weak and has trouble walking. She continues to lose weight and is
getting confused. What’s going on?
Answer: First, she should be getting physical therapy. Medicare will pay. This
will help her regain muscle strength.
Second, proper nutrition is critical. Also enough liquids. Dehydration
(insufficient liquids) can result in confusion and physical weakness. At least
two liters of liquid a day is needed. This is equal to one bottle of soda or
half gallon juice container. As summer approaches, more attention to this is
warranted.
Malnutrition and dehydration are top reasons seniors end up in hospital
emergency rooms.
Question: My father, 86, was always a big meat and potatoes eater. Suddenly he’s
stopped eating meat. He never liked fish, so he’s lost weight. He says nothing
is wrong, and the doctor agrees.
Answer: Something is wrong if a person drastically changes eating habits and
loses weight. In this case, two possibilities.
His taste buds may have changed, so food tastes lousy. Spice up the food. Easy
enough to do.
Harder to treat is teeth problems. Dentures may not fit properly, and it is
painful to chew. Or teeth may be loose or gums extra sensitive. A visit to the
dentist is needed.
Many older people don’t like to admit they have pain.
Question: My aunt, 87 and Italian, is in a nursing home. She has lost a lot of
weight because she says the food is tasteless. The nursing home refuses to
change their menu. She can’t be taken care of at home.
Answer: Tasteless food should not be acceptable at all. But if the home won’t
change the way it cooks, you can take charge.
Containers of garlic powder, hot chili peppers and other traditional Italian
spices can be made available to your aunt at her table. Your aunt or an aide can
then add them to her food.
Question: My mother, 90, has trouble walking and often has “accidents.” Now
she’s stopped drinking water or soda, and seems to be very confused. The doctor
says “what do you expect at her age?”
Answer: The doctor should be charged. I’m not a doctor, but certainly know that
dehydration (not enough liquids) can cause mental confusion.
An adequate amount of liquids is critical. Panty liners or adult panties can
reduce accident messes.
Your mother needs to be encouraged to drink more -- she’ll feel better -- and to
use a liner or other helpful items.
Question: My parents (mid 70s) refuse to eat any vegetables, saying they get
upset stomachs and gas. They should have vegetables, shouldn’t they?
Answer: Yes, they should. Vegetables provide important nutritional elements. Not
all cause gas. Cabbage and broccoli often do.
Have your parents experiment with different ones, and keep a written list each
day. Then they can identify -- and avoid -- those that cause problems.
Are you juggling doing errands for your aging parents, your children, yourself
and working at the same time? Are you tired, stressed out and upset that your
once vibrant parent is now frail and needy?
Do you feel alone? Rest assured you are not alone! The Sandwich Generation is
dedicated to the 50 million Americans who may have elder/parent care concerns
and/or responsibilities.
* * *
Do you have a question? Send it in. Although letters cannot be answered
individually, appropriate letters will be answered in this column whenever
possible. Letters may be edited. Send letters to Ms. Carol Abaya, mail direct to
her at PO Box 132, Wickatunk, NJ 07765-0132 or contact her through her web site:
thesandwichgeneration.com.
Carol Abaya is an international-award-winning journalist and creator of the
unique magazine The Sandwich Generation: You & Your Aging Parents.
NOTES TO EDITORS: text = 499 words; other material = 160 words
We would appreciate it if you would include the "Globe Syndicate" bug at the end
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