AboutMargot RN BScN GNC Expertise GERONTOLOGY (NURSING ISSUES RELATED TO THE ELDERY) I have 15+ years experience working with the elderly. I would be pleased to offer any assistance I can. My areas of expertise include: Gerontology / Geriatrics, Long Term Care, Community Nursing, Palliative Care, Private Nursing Services, Intermediate / Extended Care. I also have a personal interest in Homeopathic and Eastern Medicine. If I can not answer your question I`ll do my best to direct you to an appropriate resource. Thank you.
Experience I have fifteen years experience in Gerontological Nursing both in the community, and in Long Term Care. I have worked as a General Duty Nurse, a Nurse Manager, and a Nursing Consultant in Long Term Care and Community Nursing.I have a great deal of experience working with, assessing, and educating in the field of Gerontology (Nursing the Elderly). I am familiar with the challenges associated with Dementia (Alzheimer's), Chronic and Terminal illnesses. Experience in the area 20 years of Long Term Care and Community Nursing, specialising in Geriatrics, Gerontology and PalliativeCare.
Education/Credentials Registered Nurse , Certified Gerontological Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Question 89 year woman. Just started not eating much during day. 1 donut, banana, tea, couple of spoonfuls of cottage cheese. Bowel movments are very litle once a week. Says she does not want alot of food. Should I force her to eat? Is she experiencing her system starting to shut down?
Answer Hi Roz and thanks for writing,
Older people often have very small appetites so you do not need to worry or force feed. You do want to avoid constipation however as that can be very uncomfortable and dangerous.
I would recommend going to a local Healthfood Store and getting a good GENTLE supplement; you do not want or need a laxative and stool softeners don't do much good for most seniors. Look for a supplement with Psyllium, Blackthorn or Licorice Root & Cascara or Senna.
