Incorporate changes gradually
Older people are usually skeptical of change. They need to make small changes gradually. As the caregiver, you should reinforce this and make sure that your parent is incorporating the new foods into their diet.
For example, if your parent is diabetic and needs to adjust their carbohydrate intake consistency, incorporate oatmeal as breakfast once or twice per week. As they get used to it, oatmeal can be added to three to four times per week. If your parent normally eats white bread, give them a wheat bread sandwich a couple times per week, and gradually increase it so that white bread is completely cut out of their diet.
Set an example
When an elder has to change their diet for health reasons, they can feel singled out. Eating is a social activity and it is important to eat meals with your parent. It is equally important that when you eat with them, you eat the same foods as them. When sitting down for a family meal, don't make a special meal for your parent and something different for everybody else. By eating with them and eating the same foods as them, the dietary changes being made won't seem so drastic.
Make smoothies
Sometimes older adults simply refuse to make necessary nutritional changes, even if they are doctor recommended. People with dementia, especially, may refuse to eat certain things. Be creative. If your parent needs protein, try making them a smoothie with wheat germ – this is not a supplement that may interact with your parent's medications, but an actual food with very high amounts of protein. Sometimes, foods can be blended into a smoothie to ensure that your elderly parent consumes the necessary nutrients.
Source: http://www.agingcare.com
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