Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate: Dr. Cynthia Speaks!

Topic: Nutrition and Sibling’s Caregiving Contributions

Disagreement among siblings rarely happens with wanting good nutritious meals for parents. We would all suffer if nutrition were not provided to our care recipients. A significant part of being a caregiver is providing meals and snacks. How do you deal with siblings looking for their place in caring for an elderly parent?

Many health conditions cause nutrition to be a problem. One sibling may get mommy or daddy to eat. So, if you are the favorite child, siblings, be the mealtime king or queen for nutrition’s sake. Get those favorite foods in the house. Get those easy-to-eat meals in the house. Finger foods that are small bites are a great way to increase food intake. Make sure they are high-calorie snacks if weight loss is happening. Infuse favorite foods. Mix things up! Breakfast can be dinner! Dinner can be breakfast. Who says dessert cannot be eaten first? Who says bacon cannot be eaten at night? When possible, enjoy meals and snacks at the table. Try to be as normal as possible but be consistent. Older adults like routines.

Siblings do not be out of touch when caregiving needs are enormous. Mealtime is a significant part of the caregiving process. I do not have to tell you that nutrition is an essential function of life. If you have ever been hungry for any length of time, you know it can be an uncomfortable feeling. Transfer that feeling to your parents or loved ones; empathy should set in. We all must eat and drink. Recognize that you, yes, can help in this way. Be a part of the sibling nutrition army.