A senior’s nutritional level can greatly impact their overall physical and mental health. However malnutrition is on the rise, threatening the health and wellbeing of many seniors. It’s important for family caregivers of seniors to recognize the signs of malnutrition in seniors.
What is Malnutrition?
Malnutrition, or under-nutrition, is a condition in which a person doesn’t take in enough nutrients to meet their body’s health needs. The body needs certain amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fat, calories, vitamins and minerals to heal wounds, for energy, to thrive and to survive.
If a senior doesn’t take in enough nutrients, they may become more frail and develop a range of health conditions. Malnutrition affects the immune system, and they become more susceptible to infections and disease. They also experience more weakness, a higher risk for falls, fractures, hospitalizations and death.
What Contributes to Malnutrition?
A number of things contribute to malnutrition in seniors, including:
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Problems with painful or missing teeth
- Poorly fitting dentures
- Mobility issues interfere with shopping, cooking or eating
- Illness and chronic disease
- Loneliness, depression
- Certain medications
- Alcohol misuse
Signs of Malnutrition in Seniors
Signs of malnutrition in seniors can be easy to miss, because sometimes they happen so gradually over a long period of time.
Signs of malnutrition may include:
- A body mass index (BMI) of under 18.5
- Unintentional weight loss
- Clothing is too big
- Rings become loose or fall off
- Dentures become loose
- Poor appetite or disinterest in eating and drinking
- Fatigue or mood changes
- Weakness
Family caregivers should watch for possible signs of malnutrition, weigh the senior weekly, and observe their eating habits for changes or concerns.
How Family Caregivers Can Support Good Nutrition
First and foremost, involve the senior’s doctor if you have any concern about their nutritional status. The doctor may recommend a consultation with a registered dietician, or other interventions. If there is any sign of tooth or denture trouble, schedule a trip to the dentist.
Many seniors find better nutrition when they:
- Eating small meals 5-6 times per day, rather than 3 larger meals, which may be overwhelming.
- Drink nutrient-rich fluids, such as whole milk, soup or supplement drinks. (Supplement drinks should be taken after eating a meal, not before, so they don’t get full before they eat.)
- Focus on high calorie, high-protein foods such as cheese, peanut butter and greek yogurt.
- Ensure foods that the senior likes are readily available.
- Make mealtime social.
- Get regular activity.
How Home Care can Help Support Good Nutrition
Family caregivers often turn to home care agencies for support with a senior’s nutrition. Home care aides can help with grocery shopping or meal preparation, which can make a big difference in having healthy, nutrient-rich appealing food available.
Home care aides can offer reminders or encouragement to eat and drink throughout the day. Home care aides can spend meal time with seniors, which can increase their intake and social interaction.
Home care aides can also help a senior stay active, which can promote a healthy appetite. Some seniors have their home care aides help them grow fresh garden greens and veggies, and then help them cook them up fresh. Holistic approaches like these can be very valuable for improving a senior’s nutrition, health and wellbeing.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/senior-health/art-20044699
https://theconversation.com/malnutrition-is-on-the-rise-in-older-adults-how-to-spot-the-signs-129953
If you or an aging loved one is considering caregivers in Center Hill, FL, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Clermont today. 1-888-423-4046.
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