What Nobody Tells You About Feeding Someone You Love

Caring for a loved one with unique dietary needs can be overwhelming, particularly when managing conditions such as Parkinson’s or dementia. Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for maintaining health, but challenges such as medication timing, increased caloric needs, and food safety concerns add layers of complexity. When I first took on the role of caregiver, I never expected nutrition and hydration to become such a significant part of the journey. At first, skipping meals or forgetting to drink water seemed minor. But over time, I realized these weren’t just lapses—they were signs of deeper health challenges that needed attention. Through experience, research, and trial and error, I’ve learned strategies that have helped me navigate these issues, and I hope sharing them will help others facing similar challenges.

The Lessons from Parkinson’s

When my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I was expecting changes, but I didn’t realize how much diet and hydration would impact his daily life. Parkinson’s often increases caloric needs, requiring more food to maintain energy levels. At the same time, timing protein intake around medication is critical—too much protein at the wrong time can weaken its effectiveness. Through trial and error, I learned strategies to help manage these challenges:

• Spacing protein away from medication times to ensure optimal absorption.
• Incorporating calorie-dense, nutritious foods like avocados, nuts, healthy fats, and, of course, my dad’s favorite—Peanut M&M’s. While we focused on maintaining proper nutrition, it was just as important to include small joys that make eating enjoyable for him.
• Encouraging small, frequent meals to reduce fatigue during eating.

Beyond nutrition, Parkinson’s presents additional dietary concerns. My dad developed orthostatic hypotension, a condition that causes a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing. While not everyone with Parkinson’s experiences this, it became a significant issue for him. Managing it required adjustments beyond his medication regimen. I found that increasing salt and electrolytes helped stabilize his blood pressure. We always make sure we have a Propel on hand for when he may be feeling a little “woozy.”

I also learned that certain foods could worsen Parkinson’s symptoms or interact with medication. Some people with Parkinson’s are sensitive to processed foods, artificial additives, and excess sugar, which can contribute to inflammation and discomfort. Hard-to-chew or dry foods can also pose challenges due to swallowing difficulties, a common symptom as the disease progresses. Adjusting textures, offering hydrating foods, and being mindful of potential triggers became part of our daily routine. While managing Parkinson’s requires adjustments, it’s also about finding ways to maintain joy in eating. Every adjustment made a difference, and each person is unique to their needs. It’s just another adaptation in the journey of care.

Dementia, Weight Loss, and Food Safety Concern

I have a loved one with dementia, and her nutritional journey has been very different from my dad’s. I was constantly bringing meals with enough for ‘planned’ overs, yet her fridge remained packed with expired food. Even with weekly fridge cleanouts, expired food kept piling up—items I didn’t even remember being there before.

I had heard about food hoarding in dementia patients, but seeing it firsthand was overwhelming. The risks weren’t just about malnutrition—they were about safety. A friend’s brother-in-law was hospitalized for a week with salmonella poisoning after unknowingly eating expired food. His weakened immune system made recovery even harder.

If you’re facing food safety concerns with a loved one who has dementia, here are some proactive steps that may help:

• Regularly clean out the fridge and freezer, tossing anything expired or questionable.
• Label fresh food with dates, making it easier to track what is still safe to eat.
• Set up a meal delivery schedule, ensuring access to fresh, prepared meals without the need to store excess food.
• Monitor eating habits closely, encouraging safe food choices and hydration to prevent further weight loss.

I quickly learned that dementia-related food behaviors can be unpredictable, and staying proactive about food safety is critical to her well-being.

Another challenge came when my loved one with dementia developed an overwhelming craving for only sweet foods. I realized fighting this battle wasn’t the answer, so instead, we adapted:

• Incorporating natural sweetness with fruit, yogurt, and smoothies.
• Enhancing meals with honey or cinnamon to make them more appealing.
• Balancing nutrition and preferences to ensure she still got essential nutrients.

The Ongoing Hydration Battle

Neither of my loved ones felt thirsty, and dehydration led to fatigue, confusion, and dizziness before we even noticed it. To help manage hydration, these strategies have made a difference for us:

• Keeping water easily accessible and using marked bottles to monitor daily intake.
• Offering hydrating foods like melons, cucumbers, and soups.
• Providing electrolyte drinks, when needed, to help with hydration and blood pressure regulation.

What Caregivers Can Do

If you suspect nutrition or hydration issues, consider:

• Watching for warning signs like weight loss, fatigue, or confusion.
• Keeping a food and hydration log to identify patterns and potential issues.
• Consulting a healthcare provider for personalized meal planning advice.
• Simplifying meals with easy-to-eat, nutrient-dense options that align with preferences.

You Are Not Alone

Caregiving is full of surprises—some challenging, many rewarding, and many requiring quick thinking and adaptation. Just when you think you have a system in place, new obstacles arise. Whether it’s adjusting meals around medication, addressing unexpected food hoarding, or finding ways to encourage hydration, each challenge requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to learn.

Despite the unpredictability, small adjustments can make a meaningful impact on a loved one’s health and quality of life. Consulting with a healthcare professional or dietitian can provide guidance tailored to your family’s unique needs.