Changes in your parent’s mood or appearance can be a major red flag as they age. If your elderly mother or father has lost a drastic amount of weight, it’s important to assess the situation and get help from a health care provider.
At Advanced Nursing, we can provide compassionate, skilled in-home care, including oversight, companionship, nursing care, and more. Continue reading to understand some of the reasons why your elderly parent may be losing weight.
Learn more about Advanced Nursing & Home Support and the services we offer by giving us a call at 240-283-4984 or filling out the contact form on this page.
Reasons for Weight Loss in the Elderly
There are a number of reasons why your elderly mother or father could be losing weight.
Alzheimer’s or Dementia
A parent suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia may forget to eat or fully take care of their dietary and nutritional needs, which can lead to dramatic weight loss. Learn more about the warning signs of Alzheimer’s »
Illness
Many illnesses can cause a sharp decrease in appetite and result in weight loss, such as cancer. It is very important to treat any significant changes in weight as a medical priority to be discussed with a professional immediately. An experienced caretaker or nurse, such as the ones provided by Advanced Nursing & Home Support, will watch out for these types of physical changes so you can be alerted quickly.
Depression
Depression is common among the elderly, and it can lead to a loss of appetite and an inability to properly care for oneself. It’s important to address any symptoms of depression so they do not worsen. Learn more about dealing with depression in the elderly »
Decreases Senses (Taste & Smell)
As you age, the sharpness of your sense can start to deteriorate, and when your sense of smell and taste decrease, so can your enjoyment of food. This scenario is one that is commonly played out by elderly loved ones.
What to Do If Your Parent Has Lost Weight
It’s important to discuss any changes in your parent’s physical wellbeing with him or her and/or with a health care professional. If your parent doesn’t already have an in-home care provider, it may be necessary to appoint one to manage your loved one’s eating habits, medication, and medical needs.
At Advanced Nursing & Home Support, we have incredibly compassionate and skilled people on our team, ranging from registered nurses to companions. We can monitor your loved one for any changes in mood or behavior that could be a warning sign of a more serious illness.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your parent in the Montgomery County, MD area today by giving us a call at 240-283-4984 or contacting us online.
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