It is a common observation that most people when eating alone do not make much effort to take a healthy meal and often tend to eat less. Most people like to have company for meals.
The problem is more pronounced in elderly people. It is commonly observed that ageing is accompanied by physical limitations, which will make it difficult for a senior to purchase and cook proper meals. The digestive system also weakens with age and this may cause problems relating to chewing and digestion of food. These factors can cause malnutrition, depression and weight loss in seniors. In home care services for seniors can be a solution to these problems.
Risks Involved in Eating Alone
Most people when dining alone prefer to fix up a quick meal instead of trying to prepare a nutritious meal. Cooking meals for self is not appealing for most people. Quite often, seniors who dine alone skip nutritious and healthy meals.
It is a common observation that most seniors, who dine alone, choose to eat while watching television. This acts as distraction, making them less concerned about the nutritional value of the food they are having. The distraction may also cause loss of appetite.
All these factors may cause malnutrition in seniors. The primary reason for malnutrition is deficiency of essential minerals required by the body. Seniors, who live alone, often lose charm of eating and may prefer to fix themselves quick meals, which lack proper nutrients. Seniors face a number of health issues, which can also cause malnutrition. Few of them are:
- Dental issues
- Dementia
- Issues in chewing or swallowing food.
- Digestive issues
- Lower absorption of nutrients by the body.
Seniors who dine alone may also shed weight substantially. Some degree of weight loss is a normal effect of ageing, but sudden or continuous weight loss indicates serious health issues. Psychological issues like depression and mood swings can also cause a loss in appetite, which may lead to malnutrition.
Home Care Services
In home care facilities can help in this regard. Many seniors depend on the caregiver to provide warm, delicious and nutritious meals. Many seniors may not be able to purchase and prepare meals for themselves.
The professional care givers can shop for healthy foods keeping in mind the preference of the seniors, prepare delicious and nutritious meals for them and also give them the much required company during meal time. In home caregivers can provide help in purchasing grocery, cooking meals and even cleaning up post meals.
Dining alone may cause many problems for seniors. In such cases, the company of the caregiver at meal time may make it an enjoyable experience. Many seniors in Beverley Hills are taken care of by such caregivers. People may utilize senior home care in Beverly Hills facilities to hire a caregiver.
For people concerned about the health of their elderly loved ones, professionals in home caregivers can help guarantee that they take a nutritious diet.