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Aging, changing tastes, and undergoing treatments like chemotherapy can lead to excess weight loss, creating discomfort and safety problems. Fortunately, by making a few simple changes, such as working with a home health care agency, you can counteract weight loss to help your aging loved one maintain a healthy weight. Here’s how to get started. 

How to Help Seniors Put on Weight

1. Supplement Their Diet With Extra Calories

While many seniors may be used to a lifetime of avoiding extra calories at all costs, when your weight is too low, nutrient-dense foods, such as butter, cheese, or a little whipped cream, can help them gain weight. Keep high-calorie additions handy at home, such as cream for coffee and whole milk. 

2. Encourage Frequent Snacking

home health careIf your loved one tends to fill up fast, encourage frequent snacking throughout the day. Keep their favorite foods on hand and offer items throughout the day to help them bolster their diet with additional calories. Add set snacking times, such as mid-morning and mid-afternoon, and prepare a large snack or mini-meal for your loved one. 

3. Talk With Their Doctor

Whenever you decide to change the diet of a senior, work hand in hand with their medical team. Talk with their doctor about why they’re experiencing a reduction in appetite and whether or not medications can be adjusted to help them gain weight. 

Finally, work with a home health care agency if their weight loss is severe. These medical professionals will help you with everything from light meal preparation to reminding your loved one to eat, making it much easier for them to maintain a healthy weight. 

 

When you have concerns about a loved one’s diet, turn to Lifetime Care in Rochester, NY. Serving Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Cayuga, and Schuyler counties since 1960, these trusted professionals have been working with families to offer everything from home health care to acute rehabilitation and palliative care, making it possible for families to enjoy more time with one another. To find out more about how they can help, visit their website or call (585) 214-1000.

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