My father is in a nursng home but won't eat the food because he doesn't like it. He has always been particular about meal times, needing a lot of variety (won't eat leftovers and won't just eat what is served, but rather will only eat what he likes). Have spoken to the staff including nurses, dietician and food service manager who are all working to find a solution and are open to suggestions.
What I do is take her a couple of meals every week that I prepare, which honestly, is better than most restaurants. She eats it much more enthusiastically than the blasé food usually served. I can't do it every day, but delicious food twice a week is better than never.
I think they figure the elderly women who can't communicate anymore must not care. I can't live with that, so I speak up. Constantly. I'm a real pain:) xo
Not to be too much of a jerk, but depending on your Dad's age and health, why does he have to eat healthy food? The part of my life that I will spend in a nursing home is one period I won't want to prolong. Who cares if I die at 86 instead of 89? Not me! Let him eat whatever he likes that won't immediately hurt him.
Now to answer the question; there are a few residents who have their minds but something physical is wrong with them but they are mobile. They didnt care for the food either so the family purchased dorm sized fridges. In the fridges are foods the resident likes and can help themselves to. If your lo cannot act on his/her own place the liked food items in their and ask the serving cna's to give it your your dad. Bananas are good for the end table that they can give him. At our NH there is an alternative menu item always so the resident (or you) can ask for that. Ours also provides peanut butter and jelly upon request. Another family member brings his mother a baked potato every early evening. Some cities have delivery organizations that will deliver food from any restaurant you want to order from. Perhaps you could schedule this for 1x per day; his favorite italian restaurant etc. If he can help himself the fridge is a good idea cuz he could select with the help of cna what he wants. Unfortunately I would hate it at a NH too. I eat what moves me on a given day which does not happen at a NH. Also, perhaps you could check your jobs lists and see if there is a companion type person for hire that would perhaps 1x a week bring a food item to your father or entire meal. Delivered pizza?
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