Involuntary weight loss is a serious concern in the golden years as it can indicate several different underlying physical and mental health concerns. It can be alarming and devastating to know your elderly loved one has lost a lot of weigh in a short time. Philadelphia senior home care experts share a few strategies to address unintentional weight loss in your aging loved one. 1. Check for Underlying CausesScheduling an appointment with a doctor is the first step toward addressing involuntary weight loss. During the visit, the doctor can check of any causes of weight loss that can be treated, like diabetes or thyroid imbalances. In some cases, the doctor may suggest dietary or lifestyle changes to help your loved one gain healthy weight. 2. Observe Eating HabitsWatching your loved one a few meals can allow you to understand why he or she is losing weight. See if your loved one is pain, as it can indicate dental issues. Eat meals together to ask about his or her eating habits as he or she may be skipping meals due to the fear of chocking or diarrhea. 3. Track WeightIf your loved one is experiencing involuntary weight loss, it is important for you to monitor his or her health for significant changes. Check your loved one’s weight every week at first until it stops dropping. Afterward, monitor your loved one’s weight on a monthly basis and report any major changes to his or her doctor. 4. Assist with Meal PlanningSeniors who need to gain healthy weight often experience additional challenges like following a low-fat diet or cutting salt off the diet. Consult a professional who can plan a diet routine for your loved one. You can also hire a professional at-home caregiver who can offer nutritional support and help with daily meal preparation. Doing so will allow your loved one to healthy a healthy diet while also getting necessary nutrition his or her body needs for better weight management. 5. Don’t Overlook Social and Emotional ConcernsIn some cases, emotional health issues like depression and anxiety can cause loss of weight. For example, when a senior feels grief, he or she may stop eating regular meals. Older adults with dementia may also experience fear while eating when they worry that something is wrong with their food, or they may also forget to eat at all. When addressing social and emotional concerns, make sure to arrange a family meal so your loved one can meet everyone, feel loved, and ward off loneliness. Involuntary weight loss is often a result of a serious medical condition. In the senior years, living with a severe health condition can pose a variety of challenges to age in place. If your love done needs help to manage symptoms of a serious illness or with running daily errands, consider hiring professional in-home elderly care. Philadelphia families should opt for a reliable at-home care provider to allow them lead a healthy lifestyle without leaving the comfort of home.
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