Michelle lived a few hours away from her elderly mother, Claire. Though she couldn’t be there to see her mom every day, she still acted as her caregiver. Every day, Claire called her mom to check in on here. She asked her mom questions about her day to make sure she was safe and happy. One of the things Michelle was often concerned about was whether Claire was eating a healthy diet. Gradually, she began to notice that Claire reported eating less or not feeling like eating. When Michelle visited, Claire was visibly thinner. Michelle made an appointment with Claire’s doctor to determine what was causing Claire to lose her appetite. There, they learned that there are many things that can cause a senior’s appetite to decrease. In some cases, it’s just due to normal aging, but other times, there are problems that need to be addressed.
Causes of Appetite Loss
Elder Care in Gulfport FL: Why Does Appetite Decrease in Seniors?
Most people slow down as they age. As a result, their body requires fewer calories than it once did. It’s completely normal for older adults to eat less than they once did. In addition, their sense of taste may dwindle with age, making food less tasty. Other things that may cause your older family member to eat less are:
- Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions can affect appetite, such as cancer and COPD.
- Medications: Older adults are likely to be taking more than one prescription medications, which increases their risk of having side effects from a medicine. One potential side effect of certain medications is lack of appetite.
- Dental Problems: Oral infections, tooth loss, and ill-fitting dentures can make seniors reluctant to eat because it is painful.
- Loneliness: If your aging relative lives alone, they may simply find the act of eating alone a bit depressing. Additionally, cooking for one can feel like a nuisance.
How Elder Care Can Help Seniors to Eat More
Having elder care can increase the amount of food your aging relative eats on a regular basis. Elder care providers can cook healthy, delicious meals, which eliminates the frustration and boredom of the older adult having to cook for themselves. In addition to preparing meals, elder care providers can also spend time with the senior while they eat, making mealtimes more enjoyable and something to look forward to. Elder care providers can also watch for problems that may be interfering with eating, such as dental problems. If there is a problem, an elder care provider can drive the senior to the dentist or to the doctor’s office.
Sources
https://www.livestrong.com/article/283166-what-are-medical-reasons-for-loss-of-appetite-in-the-elderly/
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0501/p718.html
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elder Care in Gulfport, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
