Encourage the resident to just take a bite of each food. Offer small snacks or nutrition supplement. Provide opportunities for increasing physical activity level, including chair exercises, prior to meals. Offer foods one at a time. Discourage the drinking of large quantities of liquids just prior to, or during the meal.
Depression can be a cause of decreased appetite.
Constipation Encourage adequate fluid intake. The best sources of fluid are water and fruit juices. Additional fluids are recommended when fiber supplements are used. Identify if adequate fluid is being consumed by recording the amount of fluid that is consumed, and by observing that urine is pale yellow in color. Increase fiber in diet.