As your loved ones age, you may find that their appetite changes. They no longer want the foods they used to love or might only want hyper palatable foods such as ice cream or other desserts. You may find that they lack an appetite all together, but getting the proper nutrition is key to keeping chronic illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes under control. Not eating a well-balanced diet could potentially make chronic symptoms worse. It also puts them at risk for longer hospital admissions or frequent stays at rehabilitation facilities that could have otherwise been avoided.
A healthy diet helps ensure that your loved one maintains their muscle mass making them stronger and less likely to fall. It also increases their ability to fight off infection and to recover faster from surgery or the common cold.
You might not be quick to notice if your loved one is struggling with their nutrition. Weight loss is often a sign of malnutrition, but difficulty chewing or swallowing could present as symptoms as well. If you notice these symptoms, you should report it to the appropriate member of their care team as quickly as possible.
Enlisting the help of a home health company, such as Keyline Home Care Solutions, can help alleviate some of the stress and confusion of making sure your loved one is following a diet best suited for them. We provide online training that is tailored to your specific needs. You’ll also have access to a health coach through our secure mobile app. If your loved one is a Medicaid subscriber, we can help you get the training you need while also getting compensated for care you’re already providing. Call us today at 1-855-4-KEYLINE for more information.
