If you help care for an aging parent, you probably spend a significant amount of time thinking about their needs, comfort and overall wellness. This may include taking them to medical appointments, ensuring that they’re taking their prescription medications correctly, supporting their emotional and cognitive health, and making sure they have everything they need to live safely and comfortably in their own home. It should also involve paying attention to their nutritional needs and food intake, which plays an important role in the well-being of older individuals.
Here’s why nutrition is so important, plus how you can best support the needs of older family members. If you have any questions or would like to know more about high quality homecare services in Toronto, please contact us! We’d be glad to speak with you.
Why nutrition matters—and why many seniors are at risk
Many seniors are at risk of malnutrition due to age-related conditions—even if they’re a previously healthy individual who is well cared for and has adequate financial means. This is because our bodies change as we age, and a number of common medical conditions increase the risk of malnourishment. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon among seniors in Canada. As the National Library of Medicine reports, “In developed countries, the most cited cause of malnutrition is disease, as both acute and chronic disorders have the potential to result in or aggravate malnutrition. Therefore, as higher age is one risk factor for developing disease, older adults have the highest risk of being at nutritional risk or becoming malnourished.”
The report goes on to note that malnutrition can have long-term negative effects on one’s health and ability to recover from illness or injury, stating, “older persons are particularly susceptible to disease-related weight loss, loss of muscle mass and strength (i.e., sarcopenia) and ultimately, the frailty syndrome, all of which can fundamentally impact recovery from disease and clinical outcome in general.” Frailty presents serious health risks for seniors and is nearly impossible to reverse—we recently wrote about this topic, so please take a moment to visit that post.
Even if an acute illness or medical condition isn’t present, seniors may find themselves at risk. Many seniors stop feeling hunger as acutely as younger individuals do, which leads to eating too little or skipping meals altogether. Others may simply forget to eat and/or drink throughout the day, particularly if they are living with dementia or other cognitive challenges. Knowing this, it’s important to support the nutritional needs of all of our clients.
Signs of malnutrition in seniors
If you have concerns about the health of an aging loved one, please seek support from a medical professional such as their family doctor. Signs of malnutrition in seniors may include:
- Weight loss, gastrointestinal issues and/or poor appetite
- Weakness and/or fatigue (particularly a noticeable increase in these symptoms)
- Depression, irritability and/or difficulty concentrating
- Dry skin, sunken eyes or delayed wound healing
- Impaired immune function (getting sick easily)
- Increased falls or a decrease in balance/steadiness on their feet
- Always feeling cold, even when the room is a comfortable temperature
- Laboured breathing or confusion
You may identify some or all of these symptoms, or you may simply notice that your loved one isn’t consuming enough calories and nutrients throughout the day. Again, we recommend seeking medical advice from a professional if you are concerned about your aging parents or another senior family member.
How to support your aging loved one’s health
While it’s important to identify and address the signs of malnutrition in aging loved ones, preventing this issue is even better. Supporting the health of older family members is often a team effort that happens on a daily basis. Here are some suggestions to be an effective advocate and caregiver for your loved one.
- Speak with their doctor. Everyone has unique dietary requirements, and certain medications or health conditions may impact your loved one’s appetite, digestive health or dietary needs. Speak with their doctor to ensure that you know how to best care for your loved one. They may make recommendations or connect with you a dietitian or geriatrician who can provide personalized guidance.
- Make healthy, high nutrient foods easily available. This may mean stocking your aging loved one’s fridge with nutritious foods or prepared meals, or physically handing them snacks or meals so they don’t forget to eat. Sometimes, it can be helpful to place easy, healthy snacks on a kitchen counter or table where they are clearly visible. Try putting out bananas, mixed nuts and/or convenience items such as Lara Bars (though the latter may have too much sugar for diabetic seniors).
- Change things up. If your loved one isn’t interested in food, look for new options that may be more appealing. We recommend offering them nutritious, high calorie smoothies they can sip on while watching television or reading, or adding protein drinks to their daily routine. You should also ensure that they aren’t physically struggling to eat or drink—for example, because of a sore tooth or swallowing issues. If this is the case, seek medical advice immediately.
- Hire a caregiver to provide additional support. Our Personal Support Workers (PSWs) can prepare nutrient-rich meals, encourage your loved one to eat well and stay hydrated, and let you know if they have any concerns about your loved one’s health. If you’d like to know more about high quality homecare services in Toronto, Mississauga and the surrounding areas, please contact us. We’re here to help!
Eat well, live well
When a senior is well nourished, they’ll be able to enjoy a better quality of life—and you’ll have more peace of mind. Living Assistance Services can support the health and well-being of your aging loved ones by encouraging them to eat and drink well, preparing and serving meals in their home, monitoring their food intake and reminding them to take any vitamins or supplements their doctor has recommended. Our exceptional caregivers also provide light housekeeping services, personal care, assistance with transportation and joyful companionship. Please contact us to learn more—we’d be glad to answer your questions and provide a quote.