It is common knowledge that the body goes through several changes with age. However, how those changes may impact the absorption of certain nutrients and how the body uses them might not be as well known. Unfortunately, this may lead to nutritional deficits in seniors, especially when decreased appetites, medication interactions, and medical conditions are factored in. The good news is that companion care at home providers can help seniors spot signs that might point to nutritional deficiencies and encourage them to talk with their medical team.
How to Identify Nutritional Deficits
Recognizing the symptoms of nutritional deficiencies can help seniors avoid more serious health problems.
Some of the signs they and companion care at home can look for include the following:
Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling abnormally tired or weak may indicate a shortage in iron, vitamin B12, or folates. These nutrients are essential for energy generation and red blood cell synthesis.
Memory Problems and Cognitive Decline: Difficulties with memory or focus may be caused by a lack of vitamin B12 or omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are necessary for brain function.
Issues with the Mouth: A swollen tongue, cracked lips, or frequent mouth ulcers may suggest an iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency. These symptoms are sometimes disregarded, yet they can be a reliable indicator of insufficient nutrition.
Numbness: Numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes may point to a vitamin B12 deficiency. This is especially problematic because it can cause lifelong nerve damage if left untreated.
Frequent Infections: If seniors find they are getting sick more often than normal, it could be due to a deficiency of vitamin D, which is essential for immune function.
What to Discuss With the Medical Team
First, companion care at home should always encourage seniors to talk with their medical team about any concerns they have, even if they’re not sure they have enough documentation.
However, seniors might feel better starting the conversation if they focus on the following:
Prepare a Symptom List: Before the consultation, seniors should write a list of any symptoms they’ve been experiencing, even if they appear unrelated. Take note of when they began, how frequently they occur, and any changes in severity. This will allow their healthcare provider to view the broader picture. Both loved ones and companion care at home can help them with this.
Discuss Diet and Lifestyle: Seniors should be open and honest about their eating habits, any recent dietary changes, and any issues chewing, swallowing, or preparing meals. This information can help the medical team discover potential nutritional deficiencies.
Request Dietary Recommendations: If a deficiency is noted, seniors should ask for specific dietary advice or a referral to a nutritionist. They can assist seniors in developing a strategy to treat the deficiency through diet if possible.
Ask About Supplements: If modifying the diet isn’t enough to fix the deficiency, seniors should ask about taking supplements. However, supplements should only be taken with permission from their medical team.
Detecting nutritional deficiencies early and addressing them proactively can improve a senior’s quality of life. Seniors can maintain good health by understanding the frequent signs and communicating openly with their medical team. Gaining support from companion care at home and loved ones can go a long way toward helping seniors feel confident about talking with their medical team.
Sources: https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/nutrition-aging-7-signs-inadequate-nutrition
https://westhartfordhealth.com/news/senior-health/dietary-deficiencies/
https://everdays.com/resources/common-nutritional-deficiencies-older-adults/
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Dunwoody GA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (404) 266-8773
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Atlanta, Palmetto, Alpharetta, Chattahoochee Hills, Milton, College Park, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Hapeville, Johns Creek, and all of Fulton County.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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