A mother’s love for her children has no limitations. And above all else, parents of all ages wish to safeguard their children from concerns, which in some cases may mean masking their own worries. In addition to that, when family members are separated by distance, it can be difficult to really know for certain how healthy older parents are.
One of the top concerns adult children have for their aging parents is a possible decline in them meeting their nutritional needs. If you suspect your older loved ones may not be getting the nutrients they need to continue to be healthy and well, this simple evaluation can help uncover possible red flags:
- Has the family member mentioned a loss of appetite, issues with digesting food, chewing or swallowing challenges? Has there been a reduction in food consumption over the past few months as a result?
- Has the family member experienced weight loss over the last couple of months? Losing weight, specifically for individuals with a more inactive lifestyle, can indicate that the person is not eating adequately.
- Does the family member struggle with mobility? Being restricted to the home can create dietary obstacles, as it is more problematic to purchase groceries or prepare meals.
- Has the family member been under emotional stress or suffered from an acute disease in the past several months?
- What is your loved one’s body mass index (BMI)? A BMI of 18.5 or below may signify that the person is not eating enough, while a BMI of 30 or higher can suggest obesity.
By answering these questions, if you find that an older loved one may be experiencing problems with nutrition, it’s a good idea to consult with his or her physician. CareFor can also help enhance health and wellbeing for older individuals through services such as:
- Meal preparation
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Light housekeeping
- Running errands
- Medication reminders
- And more
Offering preferred home care in Austin and the surrounding communities, CareFor’s expert care management and home care services are available for as much or as little care as needed. Personalized care plans ensure your loved one is properly supported to reach his or her health and wellness goals. You can reach us online or call our care team at (512) 338-4533 to learn more.