How to Prevent Weight Loss and Ensure Nutritional Health for Seniors

When seniors unexpectedly lose weight, it often is an indication of a medical complication, decreased interest in food or decreased self care ability. Here are some practical and proven resources to provide peace of mind in managing the weight loss of an elderly loved one.

1. Paid and Informal family caregivers. The first line of defense against unchecked senior weight loss is for family members, home health workers, and nursing home employees to be mindful of signs of weight loss. This may include changes in the fit of clothing and sagging of skin around the neck, torso, and upper arm. Document weight loss and share findings with your doctor.

2. Primary care physician (PCP). Your primary care physician is your first resource to addresses documented weight loss of an elderly person. The primary care physician can help to rule out medical complications that contribute to the weight loss, and can initiate any tests or referrals that may help your family manage weight loss.

3. Senior Health Nutritionist. A nutritionist trained and experienced in senior related dietary needs will be able to help your family and doctor develop a plan to address weight loss and prevent recurring episodes of weight loss related to poor diet. Your doctor can generate a referral to a senior health nutritionist.

4. An Occupational Therapist. Inability to get food from the plate can contribute to senior weight loss. Embarrassment with spills and difficulty managing utensils may cause a disinterest in eating. A skilled occupational therapist can evaluate and determine what part of feeding is most difficult for your loved one and can recommend the most appropriate item of equipment to make the task of feeding easier.

5. Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels of America is a nationwide resource to provide nutritionally balanced meals to seniors who are homebound and/or are unable to prepare meals for themselves. The services are sometimes free or are available at a nominal fee. Inquire about their ability to accommodate special diets including a renal diet or heart healthy diet.

6. Seattle Sutton. Seattle Sutton provides health conscious nutritionally balanced meals nationwide. You can order online and have meals delivered to your home. The meals look appetizing and offer lots of variety.

7. Your Family Dentist. Regular dental examinations can ensure dentures, bridges, caps, fillings, and natural teeth are in good working order and are not a source of discomfort. Pain caused by ill fitting oral appliances or sensitive teeth can be the cause of a lack of interest in eating.

The key to managing weight loss and preventing ongoing weight loss is to know what resource and option is most appropriate for your family.