There are so many factors that can influence our relationship with food as we age. For example, while caring for seniors, you may work with clients who have lost their sense of smell and taste, making meal time far less appealing.
Other clients may be impacted by medication side effects that reduce appetite. In some cases, an illness or disease will make eating painful or unpleasant—and certain clients will make poor food choices that result in weight gain and a host of related health problems.
So how can a Home Support Worker help ensure the seniors they care for eat a balanced diet?
Below are some helpful tips about tailoring diets to common issues among older clients;
Some common reasons why clients may lose weight or are unable to eat well:
- cancer (studies have shown that in 35% of sudden weight loss cases, cancer is the cause)
- gastrointestinal disease (such as celiac disease and ulcerative colitis)
- depression and other mental health disorders
- poorly fitted dentures that make eating painful
- mobility issues (simply walking to the kitchen may be difficult, so the client skips meals)
- hyperthyroidism
- diabetes
What can you do to help if you client has any of those issues or conditions?
It’s important to report any significant or sudden changes in your client’s weight or eating habits to your local office right away, so the client’s family can be made aware.
Home Support Workers can help by trying several techniques to ensure clients get the daily nutrition they need.
These include (if available):
- serving smoothies that pack in healthy ingredients, like blended protein shakes with fresh fruit and/or veggies (or a ready made substitute such as Boost).
- mashing or pureeing solid foods so they’re easier to eat—or adding gravy and sauces to soften meals
- serving more naturally soft foods, such as oatmeal, cream of wheat, boiled potato, steamed veggies, soup, pasta, etc.
- suggesting the client eat smaller meals, more often (such as every 2-3 hours)
- set aside extra snacks that will be easy for your client to eat on their own (yoghurt, cheese slices with whole grain crackers, fruits, apple sauce, etc.)
Another common problem is dehydration
Did you know that as we age, we don’t feel thirsty as often, even though our bodies still need the same amount of liquids?
This is why many seniors or clients with cognitive impairments don’t drink enough water, and often suffer from dehydration. They simply don’t realize they’re thirsty.
It’s important for HSWs to remind clients to drink often throughout the day, and keep an eye out for symptoms of dehydration—such as dark yellow urine. If your client is well hydrated, their urine will be almost clear.
Suggestions to encourage your clients to drink more liquids include:
- keeping a bottle of water next to them at all times
- reminding them to consume 9-12 cups of liquid each day (this includes water, tea, milk, soup, and juice)
- ensuring they have a drink with every snack and meal you serve
Well-balanced nutrition is absolutely central to effective senior care.
Remember: HSWs play a key role in ensuring clients eat well, and understand the value of good nutrition, each and every day.
