5 Signs of Malnutrition in Seniors

By Marina Pink | August 9, 2024 |

Malnutrition is something that affects many seniors that are aging in place. Even if your senior parent is eating, they may not be getting the nutrients they need, which can cause malnutrition. Seniors who are malnourished have a harder time fighting off illnesses. Malnutrition can also make seniors more prone to falls.

Seniors stop eating for a lot of different reasons. If your mom or dad is on medication that causes nausea or loss of appetite it can be a challenge to keep them eating healthy meals. Some health conditions can be mobility problems or physical ailments that make cooking, shopping, and eating difficult.

Senior home care is a good way to prevent your mom or dad from becoming malnourished. A senior home care provider can tempt your senior parent to eat healthy, home-cooked meals and healthy snacks. They can share meals with your mom or dad to encourage them to eat. A senior home care provider can do the shopping for your mom or dad so the house will always have food in it.

If you are noticing your mom or dad displaying any of these common signs of malnutrition in seniors talk to them about senior home care:

Unintended Weight Loss

Weight loss is one of the most pronounced symptoms of malnutrition. Significant, unexplained weight loss over a short period is a prime indicator that something is wrong with your mom or dad. Any weight loss that isn’t intentional can signal a medical condition that should be checked out.

It can be harder to spot malnutrition if your mom or dad is trying to lose weight, but seniors who are trying to lose weight can become malnourished. If your mom or dad is losing weight too quickly, or if they are losing body muscle and not just fat they should talk to a doctor or nutritionist.

Fatigue and Weakness

Feeling unusually tired or weak can be a sign of inadequate nutrient intake, affecting overall energy levels and physical strength. If your mom or dad is unusually tired or is experiencing weakness that isn’t associated with a medical condition they could be malnourished.

Insomnia and sleeping problems can also sometimes be the result of malnutrition because the body isn’t getting what it needs to function properly.

Poor Appetite

A noticeable decrease in appetite or food consumption is a big red flag for malnutrition. If your mom or dad isn’t eating regularly or seems to have no appetite don’t wait for it to pass. Ask questions, get them in for a checkup, and get senior home care so that someone is with them throughout the day. A home care provider can offer your mom or dad healthy snacks throughout the day to encourage them to eat more.

Changes in Physical Appearance

In addition to weight loss seniors that aren’t eating enough or getting enough nutrients may start to look frail. They also may have dry, flaky skin; thinning hair; brittle nails; and dental issues such as inflamed or bleeding gums.

Cognitive Decline

Malnutrition can affect mental health, leading to symptoms like confusion, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. Your mom or dad may seem like they are experiencing some of the same symptoms as Alzheimer’s or dementia. If that happens they need to have a medical checkup to determine the cause of the cognitive problems.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Senior Home Care in Culver City, CA, please contact the caring staff at Home Care Help. Serving All of Los Angeles County. Call us today at (888) 989-7388

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Marina Pink

Owner at Home Care Help

Marina Pink is the Owner at Home Care Help. Home Care Help is an innovator in providing services in a caring and professional manner. We have an exceptional history, spanning twenty-three years, of providing care to people in moments that matter most. It is our utmost priority to address every need in a timely manner; and, it is our goal, above all else, to give the level of support that enables our residents to have as much independence as possible with care and respect.