Mom is now drinking on average 6 Boost drinks a day instead of eating food. Need suggestions and advice.

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Mom is now drinking on average 6 Boost drinks a day instead of eating food. Need suggestions and advice.

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Her taste buds have changed as she’s gotten older and the textures and flavors of the foods she used to love don’t feel good and may make her stomach feel upset. Maybe she has discomfort with her teeth or jaw and it just feels better to have something smooth and soft to drink. (Has she seen a dentist recently?). If she’s having additional digestive problems, she would not be naturally inclined toward bulkier foods and may even be repulsed by them. Has she had a recent screening colonoscopy?

To truly steer her back toward solids, take baby steps, literally. Think of the things that babies like: Applesauce, puréed foods, soft and bland, easy to digest. Mild. White rice, bananas. Soft white bread. Cool yogurts. Cut the crusts off. Bake her chicken that is unseasoned, bring in more flavors gradually. Make sure the foods are delicious and fresh. She is probably bothered by subtle taste differences that you cannot even detect. Have lots of choices available. If she doesn’t show interest, take them out of her sight so she doesn’t become overwhelmed and reject food more. Make meals social. Invite her friends or family. Depression could also trigger a loss of interest in food. Watch cooking shows (get her involved with cooking) - this also works with kids.

My mom stopped eating solids twice in her life, first when she had colon cancer. Her doctor had said she didn’t need screening- after all, it had been less than 10 years.... She appreciated his care, but he should not have overlooked her multiple symptoms.

Mom survived the cancer but then many years later, as she was having different health problems, she literally lost the taste for food (and even refused boost). We worked with her very closely, using the methods and psychology above, and she slowly returned first to Boost, then to eating just a little more, later to her normal interest and hunger. I used to take videos of her eating and talking about how good everything tasted on my phone because I was so happy and recognized we had come so far.

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My dad doesn’t want to eat either and doesn’t eat much when he does. I don’t know if this will help you or not but I now to do 3 things that help a bit.
i found when he drank Boost that he is too full for anything else so I just give it to him in evening.
I don’t ask if he wants to eat, I have a small amount (I even cut up meat to make eating easier but I don’t have to). He was born in depression and hates to waste.
I now sit right beside him and distract him while he is eating. He is now deaf so I keep writing things down. After a few minutes most of food is gone.
Granted this is time consuming on my part and he is still very skeleton like but it kind of works for me. At 95 I think not all food has to be healthy either so lunch yesterday was ice cream and cookies😁
Good luck! It is tough!

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Have her Dr tell her she can only drink one a day. They should only be used as adding not in place of a meal.

Just drinking Boost or Ensure alone can actually cause diarrhea.

Also, it can end up making your mom not be able to swallow anything but liquid.

Maybe she just doesn't like fixing her meals.

If she doesn't have someone to cook for her, Try buying Lean Cuisine or Healthy Request frozen dinners to microwave.

As a person ages, they start losing their smell and taste, along with their eyesight.

They need their food spice up a bit.

That's why they seem to gravitate towards sweets.

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When I was working my mother with MCI and short term memory issues would sometimes "forget" to eat lunch. I purchased a clear plastic dome plate cover and would place her lunch where she could see it when opening the fridge door with a sticky note listing the time needed to reheat it in the microwave. I made a lot of lunches that didn't require reheating too - like chicken salad and cantaloupe, or a chief salad. I think the ability or desire to put a plate together and reheat it goes sooner than other deficits, particularly if the appetite has already been impacted. Mom wouldn't open the cottage cheese and a container of sliced tomatoes, but if I but a bowl of cottage cheese and tomatoes (one of her favorite meals) under the dome she always ate it, and would open the container of corn bread on the counter to get a slice to go with it.

You might try the dome or placing food in clear containers so your mother can see it. When short term memory goes, people resort to using eyesight to compensate so if it cannot be seen, it no longer exists.

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My mom was doing the same thing before she moved in with me. She finally got so frail and underweight that her doctor referred her to a nutritionist. They had her start keeping a food diary; keeping track of three meals and three snacks per day. I would have to sit with her at mealtimes and eat with her. She was allowed to have the shakes in addition to her meal but not in place of it. It has been almost a year long struggle. She has gained a reasonable amount now. But I still keep doing the food diary with her. Just helps keep her focused and kind of helps her realize what time of day it is.

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Perhaps her doctor will prescribe the Boost shakes so her insurance will cover the cost? My Dr prescribes products sold in pharmacies OTC (over the counter) but not pharmaceuticals.

That would help resolve the cost issue AND THEN you can blend up some yummy smoothies made with fresh ingredients you buy with some of the savings?

My mom gulps 2 Starbucks coffee drinks as soon as she wakes up and gulps then down all day long. Starbucks Frappuccino are not even food. I have to buy 12 cases of 4 per month. Not cheap and not as healthy as Boost.

Get her dr to prescribe them since she WILL drink them and the dr seems to be fine about the liquid diet your mom has chosen.

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Maybe try to leave her some food that she may enjoy as a fill in onc ea day from the Boost. I am glad she is now pitching in, She should for it is for her. My own Dad fills in alot with sweets at night but has aMeal on wheel deal five days week and my sister also does some cooking when she comes up.

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Sometimes it is easier to sip a drink than eat a complete meal. Just make sure all the nutrients are covered.

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Churches have people to visit and spend time with those that are shut in and in need of companionship.

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What about blending fruits and vegetables in a blender. There's great recipes on you tube. She can get lots of vitamins and nutrients that way.

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$6 a day doesn't sound much when compared with what one would spend on food - have a word with her Dr about transferring her to a fully balanced liquid diet if she prefers liquids.

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BLT, if your mom likes shakes, let her drink more. BUT, make them up & put more good stuff in them. I have a paragraph about this in my profile. Everyone is different. Find out what flavors your mom likes best and use them.

My dad was losing weight (especially around his shoulders) & I had to do something. Most of my dad's nutrition comes from shakes now. He will eat some oatmeal or fruit in the morning, but he gets 64 oz of liquid salad a day. He has no necessary meds(sleep aid, if needed) with excellent vitals.

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BLT: you are NOT failing!

You are just ONE person after all & more of the village approach is becoming needed now. So enlist those Aging Health groups. Mum may be upset but you are inviting help from others because you CARE.

Take a look on the forum for articles on Anagnosia:
https://www.agingcare.com/search?term=Anagnosia

Not only with dementia, many others have it too (eg common with many mental illnesses). This *lack of insight* into needing help.

My sister has it (confirmed by Doctor) - her brain does not recognise her deficits. She cannot tell the difference between her *wants* and actual *needs*. Once I learnt this, I understood why she was so resistant & lost my guilt at upsetting her.

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There is an appetite-stimulating drug called Marinol. It has CBD in it, but also the tiniest bit of THC (an ingredient in marijuana) but not enough to create any mind-altering effects. It is very safe and not habit-forming but will stimulate her appetite, and make her feel better all over. See if your doctor will prescribe it, and then give it to her about 30 minutes before each meal. My "patient's" nutritionist says that at least 90% of her cancer patients take it, and his GP prescribed it.
One thing to consider about the Boost and similar drinks is that most brands contain a huge amount of sugar (sometimes one has as much as 30% of a day's supply). If diabetes is a factor, be on the lookout for this. Ensure has one kind that contains a muscle-building protein, and it contains even more protein than their "high-protein" variety. Consider making your own smoothies from fruits and sneak in some vegetables and protein powder when you do it.

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Thanks Craftslady1. I appreciate your recommendation and response. We had a discussion at her doctor's office last fall about CBD, but her Dr. mentioned that he could not prescribe them yet due to legalese or authorizations. He did recommend that her geriatric psychiatrist could possibly prescribe them. I am going to look into Ensure and alternate options and will also look into getting her to her GP to possibly prescribe Marinol! Hoping that I can get her to go to her doctors appointments once it warms up. Thanks so much for providing the name and details for the CBD product. God Bless.

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Hi! I've experienced the exact same thing with my mom (83), who lost about 15lbs in a few weeks. She would rely on Boost, yogurt, soup, bananas and would stick to small and soft portions at restaurants. While eating one day, I noticed she would take her dentures out when it was time to eat. She told me that it hurts her mouth when she eats, so come to find out, her dentures were ill-fitted and once she got them readjusted, she was eating everything in sight! It was a huge relief because we had her medication adjusted, did the swallow test and everything came back fine. It's pretty common for older adults to drastically change their eating habits because of their dental hygiene, so explore that avenue and see where it leads!

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Hi Mrsusmc1979, thanks for sharing. Yes, my MOm also relys on bananas, chili, soups, etc., in addition to the Boost. She also wears dentures like your Mom and I haven't noticed anything unusual, but she has been taking them out more at night. She wears them to eat chicken legs, pasta or other solid foods and never complained, but I'll bring it up just to see if she says it is an issue. She hasn't been wanting to go anywhere and a dental appt. is overdue, so hopefully, that isn't the issue, but if it is, then problem solved. Thanks again for your response and suggestion. God Bless.

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I've just re-read this post & all the replies - lots of great experience & knowledge!

From my view, I see a loving daughter trying to keep her Mum happy, healthy & keep Mum's independance too but doing more & more. Hinting at getting more care/changing things but not wanting to upset.

I have been caught in this quicksand & suppose I had to, to learn the way out. What helped me was good old fashioned plain talking.

Some hard questions coming...

Is Boost the problem or just the tip of an iceberg?

If you zoomed out, way back - what's the whole iceberg (situation) look like? An elderly lady, living alone, not able to shop for herself, eat or drink properly, manage bills(?) or socialise.

If you broke your leg, could Mum look after herself? Could she arrange deliveries, collect medications, use taxis, get to appointments?

Is she really 'independant'?

My sister had a visit from Dept of Health. She told them "I live alone independantly".

After assessing her situation, the Rep said "You live alone *dependantly*. You are very dependant on your family. You cannot look after yourself. You need to move into supported accomodation". Not gentle or tactful - just plain talking.

Like a giagantic bandaid was just ripped off & we saw the wound for what is was.

I don't wish to cause you upset - but just some encouragement to get a real look at the bigger picture. (Like a diagnosis of the situation).

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Hi Beatty, You hit the nail squarely on the head. My Mom doesn't seem to be progressing forward or in the best direction at this point. Meaning that she is doing minimally less. I've noticed bills unopened. She's been wearing the same clothes for weeks, and I haven't noticed that she tried to wash clothes or has done so in the recent weeks. When I call to check on her, she is sleep or just woke up. I was thinking that the Boost would help, but she is just drinking more of it and eating less. It truly is a case where she is declining and doing less and less. The last time I had her out of the house was when I had to take her to ER for a UTI. Since then she says she has no symptoms and I've gotten her ASOs to take with probiotics, along with cranberry juice. I think it is like a bandaid effect and more sores (not real sores) are breaking out and I can't keep up with them. When I ask if she is okay or how she's feeling, she says I'm okay, but reality is that she is in a vulnerable and dependent state by choice. She has a car, it's just rotten away because it sits, money, bills, it's just to the point, she has to let go and let reality of getting old take its course and allow some more help. Unfortunately, since I was laid off last year, my UC has run out and I'm back to having to work FT again. Thanks for a reality check, I need to hear this and it doesn't upset me at all. It's been several years of trying to help my Mom and failing at it as each day passes. I'm planning to engage the Aging Health groups for assistance and she'll be upset, but I can't let her continue to pretend she is okay. Thanks for all your insight and eye-opening suggestions. God Bless.

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Upon reading messages... Has she had a SWALLOW TEST? My aunt had a stroke, and they actually tested her swallowing, to see how well her swallowing was. She is now on blended foods.. Whatever they feed her, they blend it first.. And as many people say, she just may not be hungry or that hungry anymore. It may not interest her.
ONe of my caretakers for my LO's say, when they get older, and are slowing down, their bodies don't need the food. They don't want to eat anymore. he said, look at your pets, when they are ready, they will stop eating.. "That is nature." So, on that note, get the swallow test done if you can. And perhaps, she just wants protein shakes. So... LET THEM EAT CAKE.. WHATEVER THEY WANT.. Carnation is not so advertised as much, but sure they are just as good as the other protein drinks,... That's what they started out in our generation... Carnation..! Compare the protein and vitamins with boost, ensure, and other mixes out there. Is there that much of a difference in quality of product? then price, etc...taste. texture. contents... I kinda think not much difference. so try something else and see what happens. Or, mix it up .
My inlaws were not health experts or anything like that. He had an issue, and I got them the bio-chem protein.. It helped him. My MIL was mad at me. She had to make that for him everyday :) They both liked it. with added fruit etc... So, experiment and try different mixes, shakes, powders, blended peanut butter n jelly parfaits. You will find something that you both like. Make it fun.

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Hi Mayday, thanks for your response and suggestion. No she has not had a swallow test and I haven't noticed any issues with swallowing. It's more an issue of just not eating a lot. I just saw where Carnation has a high protein formula, but the price is about the same as Boost. I'm laughing because your MIL was mad at you, but I'm glad it helped. I'll look into possibly making mixes or added protein powders just to see if she'll drink it. She is one of the picky eaters we all know and despise...ha. But she will drink Boost, so can't see why she wouldn't like protein mixes. Thanks again. God Bless.

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My loved one has been only drinking these type of drinks for over a year with no apparent ill effects. Would Carnation Instant Breakfast be less expensive as a supplement to the Boost drinks? Or even chocolate milk?

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Wow, okay, that is good to hear and very encouraging. I'm going to look into cheaper alternatives because the $50/wk is adding up and if I know her, she is not going to want to keep paying that much. I need something that is already prepared vs. protein/milk combo. She says she hates milk and MOW provides it regularly. I end up using it in recipes or making instant pudding. I'll have a budget discussion with her to see how she wants this to play out because I feel there are less expensive ways. Thanks again for your response and suggestions.

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They do always push back about moving. She is drinking boost instead of even bothering to heat up what you have made for her. It is time to move. If she has any money, start looking round at various facility choices. Assisted living or even independent living with a couple of meals a day might work well. A place with IL, AL and MC would be ideal. My mother would not heat
up what we brought her. If I made grilled cheese while there, she would eat it but she would not think to microwave food we had labeled. Then she started nuking leftover coffee until it exploded all over the place. She refused to move, said she was not interested but thought it was fine to have my sister come twice a day to make her food, do her laundry and clean her house (my sister lived closer, but is single mom, 3 kids with full time job. We told her that is not going to happen and you have to move. Doctor said you cannot live along. She did move. So hopefully you can stop placating your mother, find a place she can afford and move her.

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Thanks dogparkmomma. I agree with your response. As soon as I mention, at home support, downsizing, etc., she ignores me or says 'nah, that's not for me'. But if something happens to me, she'd have no immediate resources to help her and sadly, would perish in a matter of days. I pray that she would make it easier and I really want to help more by not taking away her independence. She wouldn't want to live with me and would be uncomfortable, constantly paranoid or feeling like a burden. Alternatively, living in IL, AL, and MC, seems it would help because when she was hospitalized for dehydation for 3 days, she was enjoying the 3 meals a day, etc. I think she may be getting closer to wanting to move on without being a burden to anyone, including me. If I could find a place close to my house, it would be perfect and then I could visit and bring treats and enjoy visits and not worry about what I have to cook or buying BOOST to sustain her everyday. It has been truly draining, physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. Thanks so much for sharing and I agree that the time is near for her to get the help and support she deserves. God Bless.

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I don’t think you can force her to have an appetite. When I order food at a restaurant I take the majority home. I eat the leftovers for two days. Some of us don’t eat a lot and have been skinny our whole lives. We can’t help it.

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You're right, and I don't force her to have an appetite. I did have her Doctor write a prescription to eat as a joke. But he encouraged her to eat more ice cream, etc. We always have fun like that. My mom could've been a chef, she did more home cooking than anyone I knew. She cooked all the holiday meals for us and enjoyed cooking and eating. It's hard cooking for one and I realize that. She does enjoy eating, but like you, not a lot. She was petite and medium to small, but now she is skinny, considered 'failure to thrive' weight because she doesn't eat. The doctor warned her about her underweight and even looked at me like I was not doing my job in supporting her weight. Anyway, I understand, she may not want to eat as much or at all at times, but I wish I can say that for myself. Due to all the food cooking and fussing, I'm at my highest weight...lol. Thanks for your response and truthfulness.

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You said "she is not eating prepared meals, except for when I bring them. ..... andleaves the leftovers to go to waste." Once I realized my dad was doing this I realized he could no longer live alone. My father had been the cook in our family and loved planning and preparing meals and then gradually I realized he wasn't really doing that. I tried bringing food, having delivery, etc but he really didn't eat anything much and although he said "save that. I'll eat it later" I'd just find it old in the refrigerator and he was living on Tastycakes and chocolate chip cookies. I think that the Boost is all she can actually manage to 'prepare' for herself plus she loves the sweet smooth flavor and texture. Does she have any dementia? Does she take care of her home and other needs independently? If no, I think you are getting close to a time when she can't live alone. Even reheating leftovers seems to be more than she wants or is able to manage to do. The Boost may be the best she can manage, providing protein and nutrients. Your bigger problem than the Boost is that is probably just a step toward her needing full-time supervision and assistance.

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Thanks for your response and suggestion. I agree, she hasn't been writing out her bills for the past few weeks, which tells me that she isn't managing well on her own. She is just fooling me and I think it is time, but where would she go. I tried in home support or visiting nurses and she just pushes back. I'll have to have a hard talk with her to address this reality. Thanks and God Bless.

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So many choices are lost as dementia progresses.
If she has a source of income and you are really concerned about how much she’s costing you, go ahead and charge her.
If your concern is her blood sugar, have her blood levels tested.
If she “leaves leftovers” she doesn’t want to finish them and doesn’t care whether she’s wasting food or not.
Food preferences are very individual specific. What one person considers expensive and unwholesome may be nourishing and reasonably priced for its relative benefit.
The ultimate decision might best be made by her doctor’s input.
If DOCTOR is happy and EATER is happy, is there really any justification for objecting?

My mother periodically suffered from both severe agoraphobia and severe anorexia. In your situation I’d be happy to honor her choices.

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Thanks for your reply and suggestions. I think she likes the sweet Boost and maybe it's me feeling bad about asking her for money. I was supporting all her food and groceries financially to lift a burden. I will make sure that this new normal is sufficient for her and honor her choices, but just concerned about her overall well-being since she reminds me of someone suffering with anorexia. Thanks for sharing about your Mom and God Bless.

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I've had another thought -
Trouble chewing and/or swallowing could account for her preference for Boost, might she be having difficulty eating regular foods? Here are a couple of AgingCare articles about this:

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/reasons-why-your-aging-parent-may-not-be-eating-properly-and-what-you-can-do-about-it-133239.htm

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/dysphagia-how-to-help-a-loved-one-eat-and-drink-safely-187010.htm

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Thank you so much. She does suffer from chewing hard or tough meats and I've catered a menu to help mitigate the complications of chewing difficulties. Thank you for sharing these articles. I've tried to ask her what she likes to eat or devise a menu, but she just says 'whatever you make', which leaves me always guessing and keeping her favorites in rotation. Thanks again and God Bless.

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I can so relate BLTMom33! My mom started to behave this way last year and lost a pile of weight (she had some to spare). She is 85 (soon) now and she has dementia. I began a teial and error phase to see what she would eat because she absolutely would not eat any meals I prepared for her. I knew, from mom's care of her father when he was elderly, that as we age our taste buds change. We tend to lean toward sweeter tasting things. Here are some other things I have learned from caring for mom.

I went to the Dollare General and found a big container of chocolate protein mix. She drinks this very well with milk. Much cheaper. It is 11 dollars here and the protein content is 53 grams. So at breakfat mom will eat orwo cookies and a mixed drink and at night I will give her a big glass if her intake has been minimal for the day. I try not to give her one in the afternoon because someone nailed it when they said she won't eat if she gets full from drinking. So I have learned:

Mom loves cottage cheese with peaches or pears in thick syrup. I do not care about the sugar content only because when mom was able to care for herself she said, "At this age I will eat whatever the hell I want...". I passed this on to her doctor and there is no problem, especially since she lost all of her weight.

Peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches are appealing to mom at times. If I can get a half of sandwich in her then I look at this as a success. I cut the sandwich into quarters which makes it easier to handle.

One other thing I learned through research is that sometimes individuals who are elderly will refuse to eat if eating is cumbersome. They don't want to cut meat, juggle a spoonful of soup or chase peas around a plate. I have placed soup in a cup and at times mom has enjoyed this. As a rule, mom does not eat meat now. I discovered, by chance, that she will eat it at times. We were out for a ride and I bought her a hamburger from McDonald's or Burger King lol and she ate fries too. She will eat these things at home too but that adds up quickly financially wise.

I hope this helps. One thing I have learned from others is that whatever you can get in them helps. Liquid diets and not eating causes liquid bowel and so I make sure mom gets something in her, even if it is cookies and icecream along with the protein drinks.

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Hi Barbj112. Everything you said is definitely relatable, especially the part about the fast food. Yes, she eats Five guys jr burgers and fries without hesitation. Yes, she will eat a whole bowl of ice cream (during Summer). But if I make a meal, she'll eat a little the first day and leftovers sit in the fridge. I'm thinking that the Boost is making her too full to feel hungry enough to eat the leftovers; however, she loves my brown sugar meatloaf, brown sugar sweet potato, just anything sweet. So, part of it is a 'sweet tooth' and like you, I try to bring a dessert (e.g., cake, cheesecake) every now and then, and feel success when she eats a burger, but that and the Boost has got me so financially stressed. A bi-weekly trip to Sam's to lug 3-4 cases of Boost at $100+ and reminding Mom that they are expensive or having to ask for money to help pay is stressful, but doable. I'll try to see if I can introduce the DG chocolate protein mix, but she 'doesn't like milk'...sigh...Thanks and God Bless.

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She's getting at least 1500 calories a day just from the boost, it's no wonder she isn't interested in normal food. If she's rather drink her food then maybe smoothies would be a good substitute, but I would also try to keep nutrient dense snack foods at her elbow to try to tempt her, here is an article you might like

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/pro-tips-sneaking-calories-nutrients-into-a-seniors-diet-208396.htm

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Thanks I'll read this and hopefully, this will help. She is managing to drink the Boost, eat bananas, and leftover favorites at times. Thanks again. :)

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Get her involve in a social activity perhaps? Can she walk? Can she talk? Senior adult day care, or a hobby outside of home? Botanical garden or day trips with seniors to museums? Try meals on wheels?

Protein powders with fresh fruit, in a blender may be cheaper. One powder I found and Sprouts.. called Bio-Chem protein powder. I think that was the name. Anyway, High protein powder you can throw fruit, milk or soymilk, ice, blend it. Save it for the whole day.
Instant Pot, buy chicken boneless skinless, add a couple bouillon cubes for salt and flavor. That lasts almost a week, with 3 pets, and me. Feeds all of us. Cheaper than catfood. Although your mom is not a cat, just saying, she can sip on the broth for a dinner, or lunch. I usually grab a cup microwave it for breakfast while getting ready for work. Then she can make chicken salad sandwich with the meat.. It's easy.. Although, I forgot to put back in frig this morning.. So I had to go buy another package of chicken. I think I will try a different protein. I am getting tired of chicken..

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Thanks for the advice. I've tried the activities, daycare, pets, etc. She honestly doesn't like to socialize. She's been this way for so long that I believe she feels this is normal at her age, but it's so disappointing because she looks younger than she is and should have a vibrant retirement. It's heartbreaking, but I haven't given up on her and that's why I reach out to the AC family here for your help and feel truly blessed for your responses and suggestions. I agree with the IP chicken breast, that definitely lasts and we use it for soups. I add Lipton Soup packet, spinach, chicken and eggs for a nice sip and soup broth. Thanks so much for all your help. God Bless.

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OK . I've gone through this with my husband. - he's 75 with chronic back pain, severe osteoperosis, and some other health issues I can't get into . . He drank 3-4 - 5 Ensures a day.

Then we discovered his blood sugar went way up. My husband is very good about gettng blood tests every month. Mainly because of Multiple Myoloma predisposition. But . .we both decided along with his GP . .to cut down on the sugars.

Now . . I'm into cooking . . fresh food dishes. For his health and I can work on my culinary skills!

Ensure . .Boost . . it's a good temporary patch if needed at certain times. But certainly not for long term food/nutrition consumption. All I'm saying is . .while she loves drinking the stuff . .her blood sugar is probably going through the roof. Not good.

Thats my take.

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Thanks Blue24, this is exactly my concern...this coupled with the financial burden the Boost has had on our budget. Wow, Ensure is more expensive than Boost. I'm sorry to hear about your husband and hope he is much better now. But, totally agree that it was supposed to be a temporary solution to help her gain a little weight, but it has blown into what I feel is out of control. We started off where she was just drinking a 6-pack (@$10 week) to 24 bottles ($25) in 4 days. It's like a vicious cycle. I warned her last night that she cannot live off Boost alone and that she needs to eat too. The Boost was simply to supplement Breakfast and lunch, but she can manage eating dinners that I prepare, since she doesn't like all her Meals on Wheels options. Thanks for your response and sharing your experience. God Bless.

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We got Ensure through the Senior Centers MOW delivery program. If I remember correctly, the cost was about 1/2 of the store cost, but it's been a few years and my memory has faded somewhat.

You might want to check that out, and see if she can get the Boosts that way, and w/o meals if she doesn't want them.

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Hi GardenArtist. I was just wondering if there were options available, because I cannot get Sam's Club to deliver them and Amazon is too expensive and flawed. My autistic niece used to get Ensure deliveries by the cases due to her 'failure to thrive' condition and I'm going to look into how my Mom could get this benefit as well. She liked Ensure and even if I can get Ensure instead of Boost that would help. I'm definitely going to look into this to help offload the financial burden even at half the cost or price, it would help both of us. Thanks for the wonderful suggestion. I'm hopeful. God Bless.

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My sister (disabilites) does her own shopping is deemed competent to make decisions (good or bad). Buys chocolate biscuits, lollies, sugary instant coffee drinks, icecream & soft drink. Doesn't want to spend much on actual meals so buys supermarket brand pre-made frozen dinners (low cost but also low nutrient).

Sooo frustrating! The reason she lives this way as she lacks the cognition, attention & concentration to plan or cook proper meals.

Firstly, who buys the Boost? How often are you visiting? Could you deliver 7 for the week? Or of you live together, keep only 7 available (the rest hid).

Secondly, why are you paying? Doesn't your Mother pay for her own groceries?

Thirdly, she may have lost her hunger due to always being full (of Boost). Similar to how toddlers who fill up on milk don't eat enough solids.

Lastly, you can change what's in YOUR control: limit her access to more than 1 per day, arrange meals on wheels or other meal service a few times a week instead.

If she can phone order & pay & arrange delivery herself (like my sister) then you don't have much control except advising her & also her Doctor.

One last thing, does she KNOW she is having 6 a day? Is there short term memory problems at all?

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Hi Beatty, Thanks for sharing about your Sister. My Mom hasn't shopped for groceries for several years. Along with Meals on Wheels, I've been doing all her grocery/necessity shopping since her release from the hospital following a 302, for severe depression/psychosis. She has been much better, thank God, and I took it upon myself to care for these things for her. I tried to take her to grocery stores to shop and she would decline, so it left me no other choice but to do it for her. In March 2019, I was laid off and my financial outlook changed. I mentioned this to my Mom as well. She has recently started to give me money because of my insistence and stress about the $25 cases of Boost. I feel bad because I've never asked her for money and was always independent and never needed her money for myself. I honestly cannot drink 6 bottles a day in 4 days, and glad that she was starting to drink them and improve a little. She doesn't seem as weak and frail, but it's frustrating that once I thought there was a solution, it turned out to backfire. She went from drinking only a few bottles a day and a case could last at least a few weeks. But a case will only give her 4 days at most right now. I check the fridge and there's uneaten meals in the fridge. There is such a fine line with addressing this with her and I feel like I have to walk on egg shells to avoid a behavior change. If I suggest she's drinking too much or they cost too much, she may opt to not drink them at all, which may negatively impact her health. That's what it's been like for the past several years. I don't know why she acts like she cannot do anything for herself, but that's partly my fault for always stepping in to help. My Mom may be having age related memory issues, but not dementia. She has had memory tests in the recent past that fortunately proved dementia was not an issue. However, I think her cognitive thinking is impaired by sleeping too much, not being socially active and not eating enough...all things that she states she is fine with when you try to address it. I appreciate your response and sharing about your Sister. Thank you for asking the hard questions and helping me to see alternative possibilities.

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If she has the money to buy the boost drinks then why is 50.00 weekly for her nutrition an issue.

If she is getting less frail and week I would be encouraging her to have 7 or 8 a day.

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Hi Isthisrealyreal. You're absolutely right! She just started to give me money at my insistence that it is hurting my budget. While I am glad she is drinking more Boost and it is having some added benefits such as less frailty and weakness, I also feel that she should be eating food as well. Boost was just to accompany her meals, not be the only meal. She is capable of eating and seems to be using Boost as a crutch to not eat or worry about eating food. I also stressed that it will hurt her budget if she simply drinks Boost alone and not have anything else to eat, especially when food is available via meals of wheels, treats I bring, along with meals I make. I guess my point is that drinking Boost is expensive and eventually will impact her health. Also, why the heck am I cooking and bringing Boost and she's not eating my foods. She doesn't say, don't cook me anything because she knows that's not going to fly with me, so I checked her refrigerater and could see she went through a case of Boost 24 bottles from Monday evening to Thursday and the food that I made was still sitting there. Others suggested that she is too full to eat after all that Boost. But to your point, 7-8 bottles a day is $50 a week that she'll have to pay. She has the money but probably won't want to pay that and will look at me. I'm going to have a talk with her and mention that if she really wants to continue to drink and if the doctor agrees, we'll have to develop a monthly budget. Thanks for your response and encouragement.

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Mom is now drinking on average 6 Boost drinks a day instead of eating food. Need suggestions and advice.

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