Aging changes the way seniors experience hunger and thirst, which can lead to elders not feeling hungry or thirsty even if they are actually dehydrated and their bodies need nourishment. Many underlying health conditions such as dementia, depression, or anxiety may also contribute to these issues.
When seniors forget to eat, it can be concerning for you as a family member. You know that nutrition is essential, yet if your senior loved one doesn't remember if they've eaten, getting them healthy meals is challenging. In this article, we will discuss why seniors may not remember if they have eaten and how you can help them maintain an adequate meal schedule. We'll also cover what signs indicate that it's beneficial for you to hire an in-home caregiver.
How To Help Your Loved One Remember To Eat
If you are worried about your loved one forgetting to eat, there are some things that you can do to help them remember mealtime. Try preparing meals ahead of time in simple containers such as Tupperware and storing these snacks or meals in the refrigerator. If they forget what or when they ate last, all they need to do is open the fridge and find an easy-to-prepare snack.
You can also provide gentle reminders about meal times at regular intervals throughout the day. Setting up a mealtime schedule every two to three hours may help your elderly relative become more aware of their hunger cues and develop regular eating habits again.
Why It May Be Time To Hire An In-Home Caregiver
If your senior loved one needs additional help remembering to eat and staying on a healthy meal schedule, it may be time to consider an in-home caregiver. Trained caregivers can assist with daily tasks such as grocery shopping, prepping meals, and providing nutrition information, so you know what kind of snacks or meals will benefit your senior loved one’s health.
They can also offer companionship while eating. This may help seniors who are feeling lonely during mealtimes or suffering from depression or anxiety.
Caregivers also track when seniors have eaten and what they ate throughout the day. This is even more essential if seniors suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes. Caregivers can help the doctor monitor any changes in diet and weight management.
Do You Need Help Caring For A Senior Loved One?
For elderly adults, healthy meals and snacks are vital. It can be challenging to remember when they last ate or what food is best for their nutrition. This is where in-home caregivers come into the picture. Not only do they provide supportive companionship during mealtimes, but they also ensure that seniors get the necessary nutrition. If you need help caring for a senior loved one living in Denver, Stevens, Ephrata, Akron, Lititz Lancaster, Leola Manheim, New Holland, or Mount Joy areas, contact Senior Helpers Lancaster County today! We offer quality home care. You can trust us with your own family member's well-being!