Anorexia in elderly lady

[Orangesandlemons77]

An elderly relative has struggled with anorexia through her life and still is as she gets older. She was hospitalised / sectioned in recent years but privately not in UK and also had depression / delirium,. With time and coaxing she did get a bit better but since moving to the UK things have got worse again.

She moved to be closer to family but not sure what the NHS will be like with this. The depression / delirium seems to be straying again possibly related to low nutrition / hydration., She is living alone but having relatives pop in atm.

Think she has seen a psychiatrist and been given some meds, but would there be other input with the NHS do you think? Thanks

this is all imo as an adult with an ED

there are adult eating disorder services, but its hard to get them to help unless youre under a certain weight. and even then the individual has to want to engage.
its near impossible to have frequent psychiatric input on the NHS and eating disorders aren't really treated in general MH services.
if youre an adult, not dangerously underweight and dont want to engage then there is little the NHS will do.
If you have a good GP then they may do frequent reviews/weight/blood tests to check how things are, and they can speak to the individual from a health point of view.
you could look into a private psychologist to see regularly but if they aren't willing to engage it can be a waste of money. but they can be really useful to just have an open discussion about things rather than trying to 'cure' you. they can simply offer a safe space to talk about things.

there is no medication for anorexia but there are medications that can ease the psychological side effects such as the low mood, but really if your mood is low because of malnutrition the only way to resolve that is by not being malnourished

if they are willing to you could try buying fortisip drinks as a way to help them get nutrition without having to 'eat'.
having easy access food can help. pre portioned things such as instant porridge, pasta. this can help with appropriate portion control and remove some of the fear of over eating.
fresh fruit//vegetables can be another good thing to have in the house, but can be a waste of money/food if not eaten.
Try to be around them at meal times. if you involve them in one meal a day, eat with them it can be a way of helping them eat
ask the GP for blood tests to check vitamin levels and then buy some vitamins to help keep vitamin levels at a normal range

Mental health provision is a bit of a postcode lottery in the UK. She could end up sectioned if her weight becomes dangerously low.

I suggest carers coming in to see her to keep her hydrated. I'd also recommend a check up as she could have severe vitamin deficiencies. It would be a good idea for a Dr to weigh her and be aware of her situation. They'd know of any services in the area.

Age UK may be of use and Beat is an eating disorder charity that might have some advice.

To be fair, with her symptoms, a Psychiatrist might be able to prescribe a bit of Olanzapine which helps with appetite. X

I wondered about this. Thanks for the replies