Poor eating habits and lack of proper nutrition can lead to serious health complications in older adults, making it essential for family members to be on the lookout for signs an older loved one isn’t eating right. Here are some of the warning signs indicating a senior may not be eating healthy, well-balanced meals.
1. Depression
Decreasing physical ability, loneliness, grief, and health problems can contribute to depression in aging adults. If your senior loved one is depressed, he or she may not be eating enough food to meet his or her nutritional requirements. Some signs of depression include loss of interest in hobbies or pastimes, isolation, and lack of purpose.
2. Fatigue & Unexplained Weight Loss
Increased fatigue and weakness may be indicators of poor eating habits. If your loved one is constantly tired and losing weight without intending to, speak with the doctor about ways you can help your parent eat a nutritious diet and engage in safe forms of exercise.
If preparing nutritious meals every day is challenging for your loved one, a professional caregiver can be a wonderful resource. Home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at InCasa Home Care Services are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3. Picky Eating
When eating with your loved one, pay attention to his or her eating habits. If your loved one seems uninterested in food or is primarily eating fast food or prepackaged foods, he or she is likely not maintaining a healthy diet. If possible, help your loved one plan and prepare nutritious meals, or hire a caregiver to help with the grocery shopping and cook healthy meals.
Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving around-the-clock Home Care. Edmonton, InCasa Home Care Services are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
4. Complaints of Pain
If your loved one frequently complains of tooth or mouth pain, he or she may be skipping meals to avoid discomfort. Health and dental problems should be brought to the attention of your loved one’s doctor and dentist.
5. Frequent Illness
If your loved one is constantly fighting cold and flu symptoms, his or her diet may be lacking the vital nutrients needed to protect the immune system. Work with your loved one’s medical care team to address health problems and formulate a healthy diet plan.
In Edmonton, Home Care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at InCasa Home Care Services, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. If you need professional home care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 587-609-6854.
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