A drastic change in your senior loved one’s weight is serious cause for concern. As seniors age, changes in their physical and emotional health could lead to involuntary weight loss that involves losing a large amount of weight within a short time. If your loved one’s weight changes quickly, use these tips to address the underlying causes and preserve his or her health.
1. Assess Physical Health
The first thing you need to do to help your loved one is schedule a trip to the doctor for a thorough physical exam. During this visit, the physician can suggest possible lifestyle changes or discuss symptoms that could offer a clue as to why your loved one is losing so much weight. Then, your loved one can be assessed for common issues such as digestive disturbances, hormonal imbalances, or dental disorders that alter metabolism or interfere with the ability to get enough nutrition.
An in-home care expert can watch for changes in your loved one’s overall health and ensure he or she does not skip important medical appointments. Get in touch with Home Care Assistance to find out how a Tucson home care provider can help your aging loved one live a longer, healthier, and happier life. Our caregivers are available 24/7, all of our senior care services come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
2. Check for Financial Issues
At times, seniors may experience financial setbacks they are too embarrassed to talk about. Check your loved one’s pantry and refrigerator to make sure he or she is buying enough food, and keep an eye out for warning signs of financial distress such as stacks of unpaid bills. If you notice your loved one is having financial difficulties, you can take action by reviewing his or her budget or exploring options in the community that help with procuring groceries.
3. Make Sure Meals Are Both Nutritious and Appealing
It is often necessary for seniors to adjust their diets as their metabolism changes. In some instances, fatty or spicy foods could trigger gastrointestinal issues that move food through the digestive system too fast for the body to absorb nutrients. Alternatively, your loved one may have lost interest in eating when placed on a healthier diet. Identify issues with your loved one’s meal planning, and take steps to make meals nutritious and delicious. Often, using fresh herbs and other flavorful ingredients can make meals more appealing.
4. Provide Companionship at Mealtimes
Seniors sometimes skip meals when there is no one else around to eat with. Arrange for a professional caregiver to visit during meals when a family member cannot be present. Having someone around during mealtimes may renew your loved one’s interest in eating, and a shared conversation during the meal might encourage him or her to linger longer at the table. Companionship can help seniors enjoy healthy meals and keep unintentional weight loss at bay.
For families living in Tucson, AZ, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
5. Continue Monitoring Weight
As you implement changes in your loved one’s lifestyle, continue to monitor his or her weight to ensure it remains stable. Work with your loved one’s physician to identify the ideal schedule for weight checks. While some seniors only need to weigh in once a month, those with drastic weight loss may need to be weighed once a week until they are able to maintain their ideal weight. Continue to provide your loved one with mealtime support so he or she gets the nutrients needed for a healthy body.
Availing professional in-home care is one of the best ways older adults can maintain their health and prevent involuntary weight loss. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Tucson, AZ, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. To learn about how our revolutionary home care plans can benefit your aging loved one, schedule a free in-home consultation by calling us at (520) 276-6555 today.