Signs Your Senior Loved One May Need Help With Nutrition
Nutrition is a cornerstone of senior health. While you may think your senior loved one is getting adequate nutrition, there may be some subtle warning signs of malnutrition that you may have missed.
In this article from Visiting Angels of Coral Springs, we will discuss seven signs that your loved one may not be getting the nutrition they need to be healthy.
7 Signs Your Loved One Isn’t Eating Properly
1. Unexplained Weight Loss
While you may see your loved one eat when you’re around them, their weight may tell a different story. If your loved one isn’t eating enough calories or is not consuming a balanced diet that matches their needs, they may lose weight unexpectedly.
Unexplained weight loss can also be a sign of other serious health problems, so it’s a good idea to take your loved one to see a physician if they are losing weight unintentionally.
2. Loss of Appetite or Interest in Food
If your loved one no longer shows interest in their favorite foods or picks at their place during meals, they may not be eating enough.
Several different things, including depression, gastrointestinal changes, and other factors can cause this loss of appetite.
3. Fatigue or Low Energy Levels
When your loved one isn’t getting proper nutrition, they likely will not have the energy they need to get through the day. If your senior loved one is constantly sluggish or taking naps, they may need a nutritional boost.
4. Dry Skin or Brittle Hair and Nails
Is your senior loved one having problems with flaking skin, hair falling out, or weak nails? These could be signs of a nutritional deficiency. Your loved one may need more iron, vitamin B12, or magnesium in their diet.
5. Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing
If you’ve noticed that your loved one is having trouble eating, they may not be getting proper nutrition when you’re not around. Some seniors avoid eating if it is painful or difficult, which can lead to malnutrition.
6. Empty or Expired Food in the Pantry
If your loved one’s pantry or fridge is full of expired food or lacks food entirely, they may not be eating enough.
Check in to ensure that they are able to get groceries when they need them, and investigate if there are other reasons they may not be eating.
7. Frequent Illness or Poor Immune Function
The immune system requires proper nutrition and caloric intake to function properly. If your loved one isn’t getting a balanced diet, they may get sick more often and have a more difficult time recovering.
How To Help Your Loved One Maintain a Healthy Diet
If your loved one isn’t eating properly, it’s important to speak with them about the challenges they’re facing with nutrition.
If they’re struggling with cooking or grocery shopping, you can assist by providing meal preparation assistance and transportation or by hiring an in-home caregiver who can also help with these things.
Many seniors find that their tastes in food change over time. If your senior loved one can no longer stomach certain foods, ensure that their home is stocked with foods that they can eat without difficulty.
At Visiting Angels of Coral Springs, we can help your loved one with many different elements of nutrition. Our in-home caregivers can drive your loved one to the grocery store, cook meals, speak with them about dietary preferences, and monitor eating changes.
With our help, you can keep a close eye on your loved one’s diet and make sure they’re getting the help they need to be healthy.
Contact Us Today to Learn More!
For more information about our in-home care services, call us today at 954-688-9342 or fill out our online contact form. Let's work together to ensure your loved one enjoys a healthier, happier life!