My dad lost lots of weight over several years prior to moving here. Somehow, I thought that I was going to be able to fatten my dad up so his frail body could better withstand his health issues. Boy, was I ever wrong! For the most part, he gains two pounds, and loses three.
There are so many issues involved. My dad is elderly, so his body runs more efficiently and doesn't need as much food. He also has GERD which affects whether he can eat at any particular time, not to mention his Barrett's Throat. When he is constipated, he has a full, uncomfortable feeling and eating is the last thing he wants to do. He often naps, which leaves him awake in the night and sleeping late to make up for that lost sleep. When He eats breakfast late just before lunch time, he misses one meal and the calories he would have gotten from it. Additionally, his health issues leave him with less of an appetite.
What I did learn, is I can't get into Food Wars with my dad, although I've tried. It's counterproductive. I just have to back up and provide opportunities to provide things that might tempt him to eat, but wait until it's been sufficient time before trying to entice him. Even that isn't successful for the most part.
Being prayerful about my dad's declining weight, I have learned that I need to turn this over into God's capable hands instead of thinking I can change things. I can't, but God can! 2 Corinthians 4: 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, ye the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.
I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.
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Caregiving Video: Elder Care Chapel Hill: Tips on Senior Nutrition
By: Todd Palmer via You Tube
