Malnourishment is a big problem for aging adults, but if you’re not there with her every moment you might be taking her word for what she’s eating and drinking. It’s important to know what the signs of malnutrition are so that you can take steps to correct the problem for your senior if necessary.
Her Skin Is Dull, Dry, or Flaky
Healthy skin is supple, even in coloration, and isn’t flaky. Eating a balanced diet with the right amount of proteins, healthy fats, and other nutrients can help your senior’s skin to stay healthy so that it can protect the rest of her body. But when she’s not eating right, her skin doesn’t have what it needs.
She Seems Weaker than Usual
Your senior’s energy levels also depend on the nutrients that she’s taking in. When she isn’t eating the right amount for her, her energy levels are more likely to falter and she might complain about being tired or even feeling weaker than normal. She might be taking naps more often and yet waking up feeling as if she barely rested.
She Seems to Get Confused Easily
The brain also relies on nutrition. If your elderly family member isn’t giving her body enough nourishment, she’s going to find that it’s more difficult to think than it usually is. She might also have trouble solving problems and things that never tripped her up before can be confusing now.
She’s Complaining of Digestive Issues
Constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive problems can be an even bigger issue for your elderly family member if she isn’t eating right. This problem multiplies if your senior is taking several different medications. She could experience nausea, for instance, because she’s not eating along with some of her medications.
She’s Dehydrated
Because the body needs water in order to function, dehydration is a form of malnourishment. Your elderly family member might be experiencing a dry mouth or dry eyes if she’s not drinking enough water. Her skin might also be dry and is less likely to bounce back to its proper shape if you lightly pinch up a small bit of skin.
If you’re still hitting a wall when it comes to determining what your senior is eating and how often she’s sitting down for meals, hiring elder care providers can help. They can keep you posted on details as simple as what’s in your senior’s fridge and what details they notice. From there you and her doctor can formulate a plan.
For more information about hiring Elder Care in Pacific Beach, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
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