Nutrition and hydration
To live a long, active, and happy life, we all need to eat healthily. This is even more important for our elderly community. Older people have an increased risk of becoming malnourished due to many reasons such as appetites and attitudes towards food changing.
With age, our ability to fight off disease is not as robust. Poor nutrition can be dangerous in that it weakens us when dealing with daily issues, leaving us vulnerable to illness.
Healthy eating for the elderly contributes to better physical health and assists with memory and mental function.
Older people are more vulnerable to dehydration due to physiological changes that occur in the ageing process, however other conditions can increase risk further. Reduced sensation of thirst is prevalent in those with Alzheimer’s or that have suffered a stroke. Reduced renal function is also a risk factor. Dehydration is more prevalent in those who have swallowing difficulties, dementia, poorly controlled diabetes, incontinence, or if individuals are taking laxatives or diuretics.
Consequences of poor hydration in the elderly include an increased risk of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI); there is a clear correlation between someone suffering from a UTI and having a fall. There is a two-fold increase in the mortality of stroke patients when dehydrated. Low blood pressure, weakness, dizziness, increased risk of pressure sores, poor memory, attention, and concentration are other consequences of poor hydration.
No Place Like Home Midlands Ltd provides a range of support services that can ensure you, or your loved ones, are
well-nourished and hydrated. We can ensure that individuals are eating a well-balanced diet and monitor any changes in health and wellbeing. We can take you, or your loved one, shopping, or if you are unable to leave the house, we are able to do this for you. We can assist with meal preparation and provide companionship at mealtimes as this can often stimulate the appetite.
