Holiday Visits May Reveal Warning Signs Of Seniors’ Poor Nutritional Health

Holiday visits are a good time for children, relatives, and friends of aging individuals to monitor whether those independent loved ones may be shifting into an “at risk” category for personal or nutritional health. To help identify warning signs, the owners of the Home Instead Senior Care franchise in Sandy Hook, Sharon and Robert Massafra, recently released a Home Instead Senior Care network study related to nutritional health.

According to research conducted for the network, two of five seniors who live alone, 44 percent, have at least four warning signs of poor nutritional health such as eating alone, taking multiple medications, and illness. Sandy Markwood, CEO of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), stated, “Nutrition is certainly a key factor to an individual’s overall health and well-being. When you see the warning signs, it’s indicative of a larger risk. Combine that with loneliness and you’re looking at increased mental and physical health risks.”

The Massafras are part of the Home Instead Senior Care Network, a prominent provider of nonmedical in-home care services for seniors, including activities of daily living (ADLs), personal care, medication reminders, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, incidental transportation, and shopping, which enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible.

Caregivers in Trumbull and Sandy Hook offices owned by the Massafras serve seniors and their families in 33 towns throughout northern Fairfield, southern Litchfield, and northwest New Haven Counties.

“The far-reaching impact of loneliness that seniors often experience, especially during each day’s mealtimes,” explained Ms Massafra, “prompted the Home Instead Senior Care network to conduct a first-of-its-kind study to measure mealtime routines, challenges, and preferences of seniors age 75-plus who live by themselves in their own homes or apartments.”

Results of the study provided warning indicators for caregivers to look for that a senior who lives alone could be in trouble:

Loneliness. Seniors are at more risk of poor nutrition then most adults, and loneliness can lead to depression, which could create measurably worse health problems. More than three-fourths (76 percent) of seniors who live alone eat alone most of the time, according to Home Instead Senior Care network research. Suggestion: Try to ensure your older loved one has companionship at home or in a congregate meal site.

Multiple medications. Research shows that nearly three-fourths (71 percent) of seniors take three or more different medications each day. Suggestion: Talk to your senior’s health care team about how medications prescribed could be impacting their appetite, and discuss with the doctor possible remedies.

Need for healthy staples. Home Instead’s research revealed that only half (46 percent) of seniors who live alone consume few fruits, vegetables, and milk products. Suggestion: In season, look for local, affordable farmer’s market to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Talk with your older loved one about favorite dishes that could incorporate these important staples.

Illness. When older adults are struggling with health conditions, they often don’t feel like eating. Nearly 31 percent surveyed stated that an illness or condition has forced them to change the foods they eat. Suggestion: Prepare favorite recipes from the senior’s recipe box and make mealtime a social event in which they can be included.

Physical problems. More than 25 percent of seniors surveyed indicated they are not always able to get to the grocery store or cook for themselves. Suggestion: Your local Area Agency on Aging office has staff to help and your local Home Instead Senior Care office can arrange for a caregiver. Contact neighbors and compassionate friends to assist if possible. If you know of older adults who live alone, cook extra at mealtimes and take it to them.

Smelly fridge. Check out expiration dates of food in the refrigerator when you are visiting a loved one. Check the freezer for outdated items or foods that have not been packaged appropriately. Suggestion: Help a senior by packaging food in small portions and labeling in big letters with the date.

Suspicious grocery list. If you grocery shop for a senior, and the list is mostly sweets, that senior may need guidance with their diet. Suggestion: Help create a grocery list that includes fresh fruits and vegetables. If your senior is your parent who prepared meals, remind them of all the wonderful foods she or he cooked for your family. Make it a happy time of memories. Purchase the ingredients and make that recipe together if time permits.

Important details. When visiting a senior, check out things like skin tone — it should be healthy looking and well-hydrated — as well as any weight fluctuations. A loss or gain of ten pounds in six months could be a sign of trouble. Suggestion: Schedule a visit to the doctor to help ensure your senior is healthy.

Empty cupboard. A weather-related or other type of emergency could trap a loved one home for several days. Suggestion: Be prepared by stocking backup food, water and high-nutrition products such as Ensure in their home in the event a trip to the store is not possible.

Support. Isolation is one of the biggest threats to an older adult. Suggestion: If your time does not permit frequent visits, speak with friends and neighbors who can stop by for lunch or dinner, and prepare a schedule of visits. Or consider enlisting the services of a paid, professional caregiver.

For more information about the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, visit www.n4a.org. To learn about the Home Instead Senior Care network’s nationwide Craving Companionship program, visit www.mealsandcompanionship.com.

For information on Home Instead Senior Care, visit www.homeinstead.com/307, or contact their Sandy Hook office at 203-426-6666 or Trumbull office at 203-386-1151.