Senior Nutrition: Have you been becoming more and more concerned with your elderly loved one’s nutrition?

Maybe you are wondering whether they are eating enough or whether the foods they are eating are healthy enough for good senior nutrition. These are common concerns of family caregivers. One of the things that can help is to learn about the common nutrition challenges for the elderly. The more you learn about these challenges, the more you will know how to help your loved ones with their nutritional needs.

Having Decreased Sensitivity

One of the most common nutrition challenges for the elderly is having decreased sensitivity. As people get older, their senses are as good as they used to be. They need more time and more energy to experience a stimulus. For example, elderly people usually have decreased sense of taste and smell which can cause them to lose their appetite. In addition, your elderly loved one’s decreased sense of smell can cause them to have difficulties determining whether a food they have is rotten. Eating this food can make them very ill. This is one reason why some elderly people need to have home care providers to help keep their fridges cleaned out.

Side Effects from Medications

There are some medications that can lead to nutritional challenges for the elderly, as well. Some of the medication side effects your elderly loved one may experience include reduced appetite, nausea, and change in their taste. If these side effects are causing your elderly loved one to not want to eat, make sure you talk with their doctor. There might be another medication that can be taken instead of the one your loved one is currently taking.

Decreased Dental Health

Is your elderly loved one experiencing decreased dental health? This is another one of the common reasons for nutritional issues in the elderly. For example, if your elderly loved one is missing some of their teeth, it may be more difficult for them to eat. In addition, if your elderly loved one has gum disease, this can be quite painful. It could make eating very painful, as well. If your elderly loved one is eating less due to decreased dental health, be sure they are seeing their dentist. Hopefully, something can be done to help them feel better.

Senior Nutrition: Conclusion

Is your elderly loved one already experiencing nutrition issues? Maybe you have been concerned about their nutrition for some time or maybe this is a new worry for you. Either way, it is important to learn about these nutrition challenges. Now that you know what they are, hopefully, you can help your elderly loved one to work through them for good senior nutrition. If these issues can be solved, your elderly loved one might be able to start eating better.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Homecare in Oakwood, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.

We provide home care in  Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.

Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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