Good Nutrition for the Elderly Begins with Asking These 5 Questions

Ensure good nutrition for elderly loved ones with these tips.

A mother’s love for her children has no age limitations. And parents of all ages want more than anything to protect their children from problems, which can sometimes mean concealing their own concerns. Moreover, when family live at a distance, it can be especially challenging to ensure good nutrition for elderly loved ones. Contact us online or call us at (866) 940-4343 to learn about how we can help your loved ones thrive.

One of the top challenges in aging is a decline in meeting nutritional needs. If you suspect that your older loved ones may not be getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and well, this quick assessment can help pinpoint potential red flags that could indicate a problem with nutrition:

1. Has your loved one mentioned having a loss of appetite, problems with digesting food, or difficulties with chewing or swallowing? Has there been a reduction in food intake recently as a result?
2. Has the older person experienced weight loss over the last few months? Losing weight, especially for seniors with a more sedate lifestyle, can indicate that the person is not eating properly.
3. Is the senior challenged by mobility issues? Being confined to the home can lead to dietary problems, as it is more difficult to shop for groceries or prepare meals.
4. Has the older adult been under mental stress or experienced an acute disease in the last several months?
5. What is your loved one’s body mass index (BMI)? A BMI of 18.5 or less can signify that he or she is not eating enough, while a BMI of 30 or higher can signify obesity.

If you find in answering these questions that a senior you love could be experiencing problems with nutrition, it’s a good idea to check in with his/her doctor. Hired Hands Homecare can also help improve health and wellbeing for older adults through our services such as:

• Planning and preparing meals
• Providing transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments
• Light housekeeping
• Errand-running
• Medication reminders
• And much more

Our skilled caregivers are compassionate, fully background checked, and available for as much or as little care as needed. Contact us at (866) 940-4343 or fill out our online contact form to learn more about our customized in home care assistance in Walnut Creek and the surrounding areas. See more about our full service area here.