Your parents were always the ones who made sure you didn’t skip meals, ate all your vegetables and limited your intake of sweets. Now that’s they are older, you may need to start doing the same for them.
Many seniors are at risk of malnutrition. Studies have shown poor habits at the dinner table can lead to lots of trips to the doctor’s office. As we age, our sense of taste and smell can decrease, making foods seem bland and impacting the desire to eat. Dental problems can also play a part. Sometimes medications or dietary restrictions are to blame; certain drugs can affect appetite, digestion or the absorption of nutrients. Hearing, vision and mobility loss can also affect a senior’s ability to shop for food and cool meals.
How can you tell if your parents are malnourished?
• Find out what they are eating. Join them for meals; look in their pantry.
• Are they losing weight? Check to see if their clothing is too big.
• Do they have wounds that won’t heal?
• Do they bruise easily?
• Are they having problems with their teeth?
Things you can do to help malnutrition in your senior parents:
1. Ask their doctor to help identify the cause of the problem and address it.
2. Spice up their food. Lemon juice, herbs, and other seasonings can make bland foods more appealing.
3. Add extra nutrition. Put wheat germ on cereal and add extra egg whites and cheese to omelets. Mix nuts and fruit into yogurt. Serve whole milk.
4. Make meals more social. Drop in for lunch or dinner. Encourage activities that involve socializing and eating with others.
SYNERGY HomeCare is committed to helping seniors eat right. Caregivers from SYNERGY HomeCare can prepare nutritious meals for your elderly parents while providing much needed conversation and companionship.
Learn more about the variety of in-home care services available at SYNERGY HomeCare that can provide your senior parents with happier and healthier lives at home.
