Nutrition
There are warning signs to watch for and appropriate steps to take when it comes to an older individual's nutrition and health.
Malnutrition is not uncommon
Approximately one in four older adults over the age of 65 is considered malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. No matter the age, well-balanced nutrition is essential to a healthy life.
As a person gets older, it’s common to eat less as metabolism slows. However, there comes a point especially with older adults, when eating less becomes not eating enough, which can lead to malnutrition. There are several reasons why someone might not be eating properly, from difficulty chewing with dentures to depression or loneliness.
As a caregiver, it can be difficult to know when to be concerned. The most important thing you can do is closely monitor the situation and take the appropriate steps once you’ve identified there is a problem.
How can you tell if your loved one is not eating enough?
Weight loss
If your loved one is losing weight, they are also losing fat, muscle mass and body tissue. Severe weight loss can have a dramatic physical effect as fat is drained from their body. Signs to look for include anywhere from cheeks that appear hollow to eyes that seem sunken.
Low energy levels
If your loved one is showing signs of fatigue or tiredness, this could be sign of not eating enough. Things to look out for include sleeping more often, lack of motivation and shortness of breath.
Expired or low food supplies
If you’re not already responsible for buying their groceries, keep an eye on what is in their refrigerator and pantry. If their food supply isn’t being consumed or replenished, there could be cause for concern since loss of appetite is a sign on malnutrition.
Skipping meals
Do they talk about not being hungry enough to have a few meals a day? Or maybe they are just having snacks throughout the day. They may not be getting the quality nutrition they need.
Difficulty preparing food
For some, a mobility issue can be a barrier to meal preparation, cooking and clean up and they may feel like the effort of well-balanced meals are not worth the effort.
Not sure? Talk to their health care team. If your loved one has a doctor or an outside caregiver, it would be beneficial to consult with one, if not both, to talk about your loved one’s nutrition and health.
What can you do to help?
Set up a medical appointment
If you’re concerned about your loved one’s nutrition and health, a trip to their primary physician to check their cholesterol, blood glucose, lipid profiles and blood pressure can help paint a clearer picture of their overall health. By having a clearer picture, together you and their care team can create a plan on how to best help your loved one.
Stock their food supply
Take the initiative to ensure their cupboards are fully stocked with nutritious food options. You can’t force them to eat, but you can certainly do your part to make sure there is food available for when they want or need to eat.
Prepare meals for them
If you’re able to commit the time, prepare meals for your loved one. Some older individuals are unwilling or unable to cook their own meals, so having someone do that part for them can make a world of difference. Prepping healthy snacks in between meals is also another way to make sure your loved one is getting the nutrition they need.
Hire a meal delivery service
Not every caregiver has the ability to prepare meals for the person they care for, and that’s okay. You have a lot going on in your life. Fortunately, there is an alternative. Having a home-delivered meals service provide fully prepared, refrigerated meals can give you peace of mind that your loved one’s nutritional needs are being met.
Mom's Meals® food as medicine solutions can help
For caregivers concerned about whether an aging loved one is eating enough, having nutritious home-delivered meals available can provide peace of mind while helping support healthy weight maintenance, proper nutrition and continued independence.
Mom’s Meals takes the guesswork out of mealtime, with our delicious ready-to-heat-and-eat meals delivered direct to homes so individuals can get the quality nutrition they need. They can choose from more than 60 meal options that support the unique needs of most common chronic conditions as well as overall wellness.
All meals are designed by registered dietitians and crafted by professional chefs in USDA- and FDA- inspected facilities, providing the highest level of compliance with federal regulations governing food production.
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