Malnutrition is a prevalent problem among seniors. In fact, it is estimated that in the United States, 3.7 million seniors suffer from inadequate nutrition. Keep reading to learn more about the causes and signs of malnutrition and what you can do to prevent this dangerous condition.

What Causes Malnutrition in Seniors?

When it comes to a lack of nutrition in seniors, poverty plays a significant role. In 2013, half of all Medicare recipients were living off of an income of less than $23,500. The costs of medical care and prescription medications alone may make it difficult to afford anything beyond the barest of necessities. Between modest fixed incomes and small savings accounts, many seniors simply don’t have the resources to support a nourishing diet.

In addition to limited means, there are several other reasons that a senior may not receive adequate nutrition. Factors such as the side effects of certain medications, difficulty chewing and swallowing and a lack of interest in cooking contribute to malnutrition. Changing taste buds and restrictive low sodium, low fat and low sugar diets may simply take the joy from eating.

Dangers of Malnutrition

Unfortunately, the absence of a high quality diet is associated with numerous risks, many of which amplify the health problems already common among older adults. Poor nutrition is associated with unhealthy weight loss, loss of muscle or muscle weakness, a weakened immune system, depression and fatigue. Malnourished seniors also have a greater fall risk, which may interfere with their safety and independence.

Recognizing Malnutrition in Your Senior Loved One

Because the symptoms of malnutrition can mirror the problems that may already present in older adults, identifying them might take a little bit of detective work. If your loved one is living alone, take a few seconds during a visit to discreetly take an inventory of their refrigerator and pantry. Pay attention to any drastic changes in weight, and do your best to keep track of any medications your loved one is taking, as certain medications may cause a loss of appetite.

Caring for a Malnourished Senior

Once you have determined that your loved one is struggling with malnutrition, help him or her seek medical treatment. If possible, visit your loved one during meal times, and keep an eye on their intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. If there are special dietary needs or considerations that have made it difficult for your senior loved one to enjoy their meals, encourage them to experiment with different herbs and spices to give bland foods a boost in flavor. Make sure that their medical provider is aware of any difficulties with eating. A family doctor or nutritionist can provide guidance for practical ways to incorporate more nutrients while limiting the intake of solid fats, added sugar and processed foods.

If your loved one has difficulty adhering to a healthy diet, assisted living or home care might be appropriate options for them. Whether they have dietary restrictions or difficulty with chewing and swallowing, or they simply lack the ability or desire to plan a menu and prepare their own well-balanced meals, having a caregiver come out to your senior’s residence or transitioning to an assisted living community can help ensure that they receive adequate nutrition. To find out more about our senior care options, contact one of our Sagepoint advisors today.

Moving a loved one to an assisted living community can be a challenging experience. Oftentimes, seniors are leaving the security of a beloved home, the familiarity of longtime neighbors and the feeling of independence. However, once you and your loved one have reached the decision that assisted living will offer them their highest quality of life, it’s important to make sure that the transition goes as smoothly as possible. Keep reading to learn more about helping a loved one transition to assisted living.

Do Your Research

Whether your loved one is looking for a close-knit group home setting or a larger community with more amenities, there is a place where they can feel at home. The first step to ensuring that the transition is as smooth as possible is to find the home environment that will fit your loved one’s current preferences. While both group homes and larger communities offer services like complimentary transportation, home cooked meals and housekeeping and laundry services, they may differ greatly when it comes to things like enrichment programs, social activities and on site amenities. Determine the type of community in which your senior loved one will thrive and feel comfortable.

Making the Move

Once you have found the community that is right for your loved one, it’s time to get them settled into their new home. Tempting though it may be to spend a weekend shopping for their new room or suite, it’s important for them to be surrounded by familiar items. Encourage them to bring their own bedding, a few dishes, pictures and anything else that may make their new living quarters feel like home. When in doubt, bring more than you think they’ll need; they can always pare down later.

Helping Them Engage

Even if your loved one generally prefers solitude, it’s important for them to feel engaged with the community. Starting on the first day, encourage them to get involved with a scheduled activity. In many cases, assisted living communities such as Sagepoint Gardens allow family members join in the fun, so attend a discussion group, a wellness activity or an offsite activity with them. After your initial “push,” it may be easier for your loved one to begin building those connections in a way that feels natural and comfortable to them.

By doing your homework and playing an active role when helping a loved one transition to assisted living, you can ensure that the process is as smooth and enjoyable process.

Are you ready to help your loved one move to an assisted living community but you don’t know where to begin? Contact us today to learn more about our assisted living services and how we can help you and your family. Our friendly and knowledgeable Advisors are ready to assist you in finding the right care for your loved one.