How An El Dorado Hills In-Home Caregiving Agency Helps Reduce Risk of Senior Malnutrition & Hunger

More info click here: www.comfortkeepers.com

By Senior Caregiving Expert Vince Maffeo

Undernourishment and malnutrition are serious problems for the Sacramento area´s growing 65 and older population. While estimates vary widely, the American Dietetics Association has reported that between 35 percent and 85 percent of seniors are at risk for being under or malnourished. The need for awareness about senior nutrition is growing by the day. Northern Californians are getting older – in fact, the number of older adults will double in the next 30 years.

An El Dorado Hills-based provider of in-home caregiving for seniors is participating in a nationwide program called STOP Senior Hunger. This campaign aims to raise visibility for the tremendous need for senior nutrition programs, education, family detection and support.

As seniors age and change, so do their nutritional needs. Keeping them properly fed and healthy can make a real difference in their quality of life. Family members often hire non-medical, in-home care providers to take care of their aging relatives. But before hiring any agency, it´s important for families to make sure the agency they´ve chosen is aware of ways to monitor the nutrition of seniors in their care.

The most qualified in-home care provider to hire is likely the one that incorporates a plan for proper nutrition among its "plan of care," or the "checklist" of services the company is providing to the family. The first sign of potential problems to look for is malnutrition. Malnutrition is caused by a combination of a nutrient-poor diet, too little food and poor absorption and can be compounded by physical, emotional and social problems.

Malnutrition and under-nourishment in seniors are not always obvious, so caregivers and loved ones should pay special attention to the signs. WATCH is a mnemonic that makes it easier to remember the five steps families should remember when observing nutrition in their loved ones:

Watch for physical problems

Physical things to look for include bruising, dental difficulties, and sudden or sustained weight gain or weight loss. In addition, look for disorientation, lightheadedness and lethargy as possible physical problems that could lead to malnutrition.

Ask seniors about their eating habits

How have their eating habits, tastes, and likes and dislikes changed? This is a perfect time for a caregiver to learn more about how seniors have grown accustomed to eating, and how their habits have changed over the years. Use this information to create and plan nutritious meals for them. Seniors – and their caregivers – should choose foods that are low in fat and sodium, high in fiber and calcium, flavorful, easy to chew, swallow and digest; and simple to prepare. Mealtime can become more enjoyable by trying new flavors and spices, making meals a social time, having meals prepared by a caregiver, or trying enriched foods for substantial snacks in between meals.

Talk to a doctor

Discuss nutritional needs or problems specific to the loved ones´ unique needs or management of diseases. A family doctor will know the nutritional history of the senior, and is in a good position to provide advice, support, and encouragement to eat well.

Check with a pharmacist

A pharmacist can tell you about the potential for drug-food interactions and how medications may affect nutrient absorption. Often, seniors take many different medications for a variety of conditions, and sometimes these drugs have an adverse effect on a senior´s nutrition.

Have your visits during mealtime

The best time for a family or an in-home care agency to visit is during mealtime. This will help you observe eating habits first-hand, including food choices, variety, preparation, cleanliness, and portion size.

Overall, many families are assessing how they´re planning to provide care for an aging parent every minute of the day. Additionally, as families become more spread out due to work or family commitments, they are looking for solutions to keep their aging parents safe and healthy. Asking the right questions, and selecting the right providers, can make all the difference in the world.

For more information or to find the right caregiver for your family, visit our website at www.comfortkeepers.com.