10 Warning Signs That A Senior Is Not Eating Properly

Healthy eating is essential for people of all ages, but for many seniors, a well-balanced diet is the key to feeling their best. In fact, nutrition experts consider good nutrition the first line of defense in the fight to stay healthy.

Research conducted by the Home Instead Senior Care franchise network supports the important role healthy eating plays in successful again. The caregiving network found that 62 percent of adult children in the U.S. and 57 percent in Canada caring for an older adult said their senior had three or more nutritional risks including:

• Three or more prescribed or over-the-counter drugs per day
• An illness or condition that made the senior change his or her diet
• Having lost or gained more than 10 pounds in the past six months without trying

A variety of issues, from medications and illnesses to memory problems and physical constraints, can jeopardize a seniors ability to maintain a balanced diet. Seniors may find grocery shopping difficult, feel uncomfortable in the kitchen or lack the skills necessary to maintain a well-balanced diet.

So how do you know if your senior's nutritional needs are being met? These 10 warning signs are red flags that may signal a potential problem:

1. Loss of appetite - If your senior has always been a hearty eater but not longer eats as he or she used to, it's time to find out why. Underlying illness could be the root cause.
2. Little to no interest in eating out - If your loved one has always loved eating out at a preferred restaurant but no longer shows interest, dig deeper to determine the problem.
3. Depression - Change in appetite is a classic sign of depression. Be sure to follow up with a physician if you suspect depression may be the problem.
4. Sudden weight fluctuation - A weight change - losing or gaining 10 pounds in six months - is another sign that something could be amiss.
5. Expired or spoiled food - Check the refrigerator for expired or spoiled food. Seniors could be "saving" food until it's no longer safe. Make sure the food is labeled with the date in large letters and numbers.
6. Skin tone - Observe your seniors's skin tone. If your loved one is eating properly, their skin should look healthy and well-hydrated.
7. Lethargy - If your loved on has regularly been active and enjoyed taking walks but suddenly becomes lethargic, encourage a visit to the doctor. Poor nutrition could be to blame.
8. Cognitive problems - Seniors who live alone might forget to eat. Dementia and cognitive problems can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Quick intervention is vital.
9. More than three medications - Medication can influence both appetite and weigh. Check with your senior's doctor to find out if medications could be the culprit.
10. A recent illness - Illness or a hospital stay could make a senior stop eating. Keep tabs on your loved ones recovery, making sure reliable help at home is available.

CAREGiver of the Month: August

Our CAREGiver of the Month for August is Sandra! Sandra shows all her clients compassion and truly shares her heart. Her kindness is evident to all the individuals she has worked with.

What was your favorite moment with a client?
Conversations with my clients are amongst my favorite moments. I enjoy learning from them, listening to them, hearing about their past, their accomplishments and their dreams. Simply being a good listener, being empathetic and really caring about the client often give me the biggest smiles. Those moments are very special.

One moment in particular was the first day I worked with a client who had a BiPAP machine. It was my first day and I was nervous about working with the equipment for the first time. When it came time to work with the BiPAP mask my client encourage me with gentle words, telling me that I could do it and that nothing would go wrong. He made me comfortable and said that if I could master that mask, I could do anything. He gave me one of his smiles, we laughed and I did it.

Why did you decide to become a caregiver?
I decide to be a caregiver because I took care of my mother, who had Parkinson’s disease, when I was very young girl until her death. She was my inspiration to be a caregiver.

What advice would you give to a new caregiver?
You must keep an open mind, be adaptable and be reliable. You need a big heart and a big smile every day.

Read and study information about the client’s needs, their disease or disability and inquire about things you might have in common. Use your training and your education and always keep learning.

Thank you Sandra for all your hard work!