Ways Poor Nutrition Affects Your Senior Parent
Poor nutrition, or malnutrition, is a problem that can impact seniors who are living on their own. If your mom or dad is living independently, they could be malnourished. When seniors become malnourished often they are eating, but they aren’t eating enough calories, vitamins, and minerals to be healthy. One of the best things you can do to make sure that your mom or dad is getting healthy meals every day and eating them is to get home care services for them. Home care is a wonderful resource for family caregivers who are concerned about a senior parent.
You may not notice that your mom or dad is malnourished because you may see that they are eating. But there are signs of malnutrition that you should watch for like losing weight, eye bags, hair falling out, and getting sick often or staying sick longer because their immune systems are weak.
With home care your mom or dad will get regular daily visits from a care provider they trust who will cook them meals, make sure there are healthy snacks in the house, and make sure the house is clean and tidy. Home care helps seniors be comfortable, happy, and healthy at home.
If your mom or dad isn’t eating healthy meals, or they’re not eating enough and they become malnourished they may develop some of these health problems that are caused by malnutrition:
Weak Immune System
Malnutrition can hurt your mom or dad’s immune system. This means their body can’t fight off infections as easily. Seniors who are malnourished are more likely to get sick. They might catch colds, flu, or other infections more often. A weak immune system can also make it harder for them to recover from illnesses.
Muscle Weakness and Loss
If your mom or dad isn’t getting the nutrients that their body needs, their muscles become weak. This is known as muscle wasting or sarcopenia. Malnutrition can make it difficult for your parent to move around, stand, or even sit up. Weak muscles can lead to falls and injuries. Seniors may lose the ability to do everyday tasks, such as walking or getting out of bed.
If your mom or dad is at home recovering after an illness or fall they need to be eating healthy meals daily so that they can keep their muscle strength during their recovery.
Poor Bone Health
Without enough calcium and vitamin D, your mom or dad’s bones could become weak. Malnutrition can lead to osteoporosis, a condition where bones break easily. Seniors who are malnourished may suffer from bone fractures. These fractures are more difficult to heal, especially for older adults. This can lead to long-term pain and loss of mobility.
Heart Problems
Malnutrition can also affect your mom or dad’s heart. A lack of essential nutrients, like potassium and magnesium, can cause irregular heartbeats, also called arrhythmia. This can lead to serious heart problems. If the body doesn’t get enough energy, the heart may struggle to pump blood properly. This can cause fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Cognitive Decline
When seniors don’t eat enough healthy food, their brains don’t get the nutrients they need. This can lead to memory problems and difficulty thinking clearly. Malnutrition can make the symptoms of Alzheimer’s or dementia worse. It may cause confusion, poor judgment, and mood changes. Good nutrition is important for brain health and helps your senior parent stay alert and focused.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Fort Valley GA, please contact the caring staff at Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services, Inc. today at 478-745-5111.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, Gray, Milledgeville, Forsyth, Cochran, Jeffersonville, Eastman, Fort Valley, and the surrounding areas.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare has been providing in-home care services since 2002 throughout the Macon and Middle Georgia Area.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services provides in-home care that improves the lives of the clients. Our services help them maintain the highest possible level of independent living. We provide In-home private duty care and care management services for seniors throughout the Middle Georgia area.
Our CNA (certified nursing aides), caregiver, and companion services allow our clients to age in the place where they feel most comfortable and secure - at home. Combine our Home Care Services, with our Geriatric Care Management component, and we provide the most comprehensive assistance for the Middle Georgia areas seniors.
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