Many changes happen to our body as we age – including our taste and appetite. For good or for bad, these changes must be incorporated and especially highlighted just like in our senior care in Maryland.
Nutrition is an essential component of health. When seniors are losing appetite for the meals recommended for them, we need to understand why. The best and the simplest thing you can do is ask them. This simple question is not just about getting the reason right away – it is showing them that you are willing to listen. You care for what they think. You value what they have to say.
In cases when a senior loved one is not capable of verbally communicating or refuses to share their reason, paying close attention to their body language helps. Non-verbal cues give you hints on the situation. When they show signs of pain or discomfort while eating, they might have oral health issues. Tooth pain, tooth decay, or problematic dentures make eating uncomfortable or terrible. No wonder they would not want to take another bite.
The taste can also be an issue. Some seniors may have decreased their ability to identify tastes or have grown more sensitive to flavors. You can do taste testing with them. Aside from the flavor, check if the food can be chewed. Hard foods take effort to chew. Prepare meals that are easy and tasty to eat.
Love One Home Healthcare makes every meal healthy with our home health care in Greenbelt, Maryland.
And with our companion services, we complete the dining picture with warm company.