Gaining weight isn’t bad news all the time, and this is especially true for older individuals dealing with conditions that cause gradual or significant weight loss. Some conditions or medications also limit them from keeping physically fit, which can impact one’s overall well-being down the road. If you’re having difficulty seeking tips for weight gain for an elderly loved one, you’ve come to the right place.
Unintentional Weight Loss
It is recommended that older individuals monitor their weight regularly so spotting unnatural weight loss or gain is easier. While there are many common causes of weight loss and malnutrition, the top few include gastrointestinal disease, thyroid imbalances, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, among plenty more health issues. After evaluating the reasons for the weight loss, you may want to consult a doctor to understand the best treatment plans for weight gain for an elderly loved one.
Tips for Weight Gain for An Elderly Loved One
It’s often necessary to offer extra nutritional support to those older adults who have been losing weight, and this can come in the form of providing them extra calories and protein. Since fat is dense in calories, it is a great way to increase one’s intake of energy. Just to increase their appetite, it might be better to allow whatever fatty foods they like to eat in the short term – whether it means peanut butter or ice cream, before making the switch to healthier fats.
Instead of feeding your loved one three balanced meals a day, you can try feeding them smaller meals but increasing the portion of their calories and proteins. When preparing their meals, perhaps you can drizzle healthy oils on their carbohydrates and vegetables. Another tip is to divide their meal into two portions before adding more dairy products to the mix like yogurt and cheese. If your loved one is facing difficulty chewing or swallowing, you may want to puree their favorite meals and serve more soft foods, so they face less friction in eating nutritious meals and gaining weight.
Let Aston Gardens At Tampa Bay Assists in Caring for Your Loved Ones
While managing your loved one’s diet is a great way to show them how much you care, there are times when caregivers face burnout. This happens when you feel like you’ve lost your sense of independence, have constant fatigue, and even have growing resentment towards your loved ones. For the overall health and safety of both parties, this is when you may want to consider moving your loved ones into a retirement community where professional round-the-clock care is provided. At Aston Gardens At Tampa Bay, this comes along with full access to all of our top-notch amenities, services, and activities that await your loved one. Come down to our community and surprise yourself! Let your loved ones participate in a community where they’re ensured maximum support to live life to the fullest, worry-free. If you have any inquiries about our range of services, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
