Many seniors with this type of function decline have difficulty remembering when they are supposed to eat, how often they are supposed to eat if they have already eaten, why they should eat, or what foods they should eat. They may also struggle with no longer being able to properly taste food or not enjoying the food that they once did. This can result in them not getting enough of the nutrition that they need to keep their body healthy and functioning. Fortunately, there are ways that you can help to encourage better nutrition for your senior see, including making simple changes to their mealtime routine.

Senior Care Lorton VA: Nutritional Health

Use these mealtime tips to encourage better nutrition for your senior:

Make mealtime only about the meal. This is not the time to multitask or to try to handle other things. Too much going on can confuse and frustrate your parent, and cause them to be even more resistant to eating. When it is time to eat, turn off all distractions, stop all activities, and focus only on the meal

Encourage your parent to eat in the dining room or at the kitchen table. Giving them a specific space that is dedicated to eating will help them relate this area to eating and remind them of what they are supposed to be doing when they go there. Allowing them to eat in front of the television or in bed can create confusion and disrupt their routine

Clear off the table. Remove centerpieces or decorative items that could be distracting or confusing for your parents. This is particularly important when related to decorative items that look like food, such as fake fruits. Consider using a simple white tablecloth that will help to create better contrast between the table and the food

Bring their own plate. Rather than bringing large platters of food to the table, build individual plates in the kitchen and bring them to your parent. This will make eating less daunting and help your parent to focus on their food

Think small. Give your parent small servings of nutritional food, breaking the meal into several courses of one or two items each. This encourages them to eat a more varied diet and ensure that they do not get overwhelmed by a large quantity of food. You can always offer them more if they are still hungry

How can senior care help?

Starting elderly care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you can make for them if you want to encourage their highest quality of life as they age in place. An elderly home care services provider can step in to fill care gaps, provide additional companionship and support, and help your parent to live a lifestyle that is as fulfilling, engaged, and independent as they age in place.

These services can include everything from safe and reliable transportation, assistance with tasks such as running errands, physical support to assist with mobility issues, help with keeping the home clean, personal care tasks, and more. As their family caregiver, this can give you a tremendous sense of peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in good hands both when you are with them and when you are not.

If you or a loved-one are considering Senior Care in Lorton, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC.  Call today 703-910-7081.

Elderly Care in Lorton VA: Nail Changes With Age

Appearance of Aging Nails

Fingernails usually grow thinner and more brittle as the body grows older. This is natural and can be minimized by using plenty of moisturizers to restore some flexibility to the nails. They can also become discolored, usually yellowed or grayish. A lifetime of bad habits, like malnutrition or smoking can also affect the texture and color of fingernails.

Toenails, on the other hand, often get thicker with age, not thinner. They can turn yellowish as well, and they are more likely to harbor a fungus that can turn the toenails blackish. It’s not unusual for toenails to change their shape or curvature, and ingrown toenails can become more of a problem in elderly people. Fingernails and toenails grow more slowly than they did when the body was younger. They may also develop vertical ridges instead of being smooth. They can be gently filed down to restore a more polished appearance.

All these nail conditions are a normal part of aging, and with the right care and attention from family caregivers and senior care assistants, elderly people can enjoy healthy nails and minimize the effects of aging.

Health Concerns in the Nails

The appearance of the fingernails and toenails can be a warning sign of health problems elsewhere in the body. Family caregivers and senior care aides that assist in helping elderly people take care of their nails should point out any changes they notice. It’s important to see a doctor or dermatologist if there are any sudden changes to shape, color or texture.

One of the health conditions that can be reflected in the nails is a vitamin deficiency, resulting in brittle nails, which is also a symptom of hypothyroidism. Kidney disease or liver disease can produce side effects in the nails by causing the fingers to swell and the nails become rounded up. When the nails have little pits in them, it could signal psoriasis. Other health issues include horizontal ridges, which can indicate poor nail development because of an illness somewhere else in the body.

It’s definitely worth paying attention to an elderly relative’s nail health because they require slightly different care than in younger adults. Since they are also a good health indicator, frequent inspections and assessments can help keep them in good health overall.

If you or a loved-one are considering elderly care in Lorton, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC.  Call today 703-910-7081.

Source:
http://www.health.com/beauty/nail-health