As the summer temperatures rise, so do many people lose their appetites. While this may be acceptable for healthy people, eating less is not what we want for our clients. Unless they really need to lose a little weight, most clients may benefit from eating a little more.

There is a scientific reason why we eat less when it is hot. Our metabolism slows down during high temperatures and our body temperature is close to the environmental temperature.

We do not need to burn as many calories to maintain our temperature because as the metabolism slows down, so does the appetite decrease.

A lack of appetite in an elderly client may lead to bigger health issues if not sorted out promptly. This, however, may be easier said than done.

We all know the adage which says that we can ‘lead a horse to water but can’t make him drink’ and this is particularly true with our clients. This may leave you frustrated and concerned about your client’s health – and rightly so.

What can we do about this?

If your client refuses to or simply cannot face hot food, then you need to consider a different tactic.

Look at summer soups

Summer soups are amazingly easy to make and can be concocted in a few minutes. Not only that, they can be delicious as they incorporate all the delicious ingredients of the summer.

Think about combinations like these:

• Cucumber, yogurt, and dill
• Avocado topped with chopped crab
• Gazpacho made of tomato, cucumber, onion, or red pepper
• Watermelon soup
• Tomato and yogurt
• Edamame beans, ginger, and crème fraiche

And the list goes on. You will be able to find dozens of recipes online. Make sure that they are well blended and served cold.

Think water containing fruits

Good things to eat when it is simply too hot for cooked meals are things like watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit, apples, and bananas. Adding yogurt will provide a healthy ingredient.

You may find that your client can tolerate salmon instead of other meats. Eggs are also a healthy option.

Avoid diuretics

There are some foods which you may want to avoid when it is too hot. These foods flush water out of the body and can leave an elderly person dehydrated.

Avoid coffee, tea, soda. Foods like fennel, asparagus and artichokes will also serve as diuretics.

Reduce body heat

There are several ways that you can reduce your client’s body heat if you feel they are overheating.

• Drink cool liquids
• Tepid baths or showers
• Strategically placed fans
• Cool compresses to forehead and back of the neck
• Keep movement to a minimum
• Swap clothing for lighter, more breathable items
• Keep direct sunlight out

To sum up

Summer and high temperatures can be concerning when you find that your client simply does not want to eat. It is vital that you change tactics and get liquid into the body.

Small meals, which are cold, and liquid will go a long way to keep your client eating a nutritious diet, even if it is not the ‘traditional’ meat and two veg style.

The bottom line is that without nutrition, your client will become ill, so whatever you can encourage your client to eat and drink will be good for them. If you find that your client really likes one or two cold soups, then offer them.

In the hot weather, any liquid intake is better than none. This goes for clients as well as live-in carers. Taking care of yourself is just as important as looking after your client.

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