Mrs. Roberts’ Journey to Understanding and Managing Her Eating Habits
At 82, Mrs. Roberts was known for her small appetite, enjoying light meals and rarely snacking. But lately, her caregiver noticed a surprising shift—she was suddenly asking for seconds and reaching for snacks throughout the day. Concerned, she wondered if these unexpected appetite changes might signal something more serious.
To better understand, their caregiver reached out to her care coordinator at Just Divine Homecare Agency LLC for guidance, hoping to uncover possible reasons behind Mrs. Roberts’ new eating habits and learn ways to support her.
Exploring Causes of Sudden Appetite Changes
When Mrs. Roberts’ caregiver joined her family to discuss these changes, they explored a few potential causes that can often affect seniors.
- Medication Side Effects
Certain medications can lead to appetite increases, especially those prescribed for chronic conditions or mood regulation. After reviewing her medications with her healthcare provider, the family ruled out any medication as the primary cause, though it’s a common reason for appetite changes in many seniors. - Metabolic or Hormonal Shifts
Aging brings about shifts in metabolism and hormone levels, which can impact hunger and fullness cues. For some seniors, conditions like diabetes can lead to increased hunger if blood sugar levels fluctuate. Mrs. Roberts’ caregiver suggested keeping a simple food diary to help her monitor any changes and share the information with her doctor. - Cognitive or Emotional Changes
For seniors experiencing memory challenges or mild cognitive changes, a disconnect can form between meals and feelings of fullness. Sometimes, seniors may feel constantly hungry due to forgetfulness around their recent eating patterns. Additionally, loneliness or anxiety can prompt some seniors to seek comfort in food. Mrs. Roberts’ family noticed that her snacking tended to increase during quiet or lonely moments.
Building Healthy Eating Habits Together
With these potential causes in mind, Mrs. Roberts and her family worked with her caregiver to create a routine that supported her health and well-being. They introduced balanced, portion-controlled meals and healthy snacks that provided sustained energy without excessive calories. They also made mealtimes an enjoyable event, with family or social time to help curb emotional snacking.
Her caregiver engaged Mrs. Roberts in fulfilling activities, such as crafting, light exercises, and listening to music, providing meaningful alternatives to pass the time. This reduced her boredom snacking and filled her day with enjoyable moments.
Moving Forward with Peace of Mind
With her family, caregiver, and doctor working together, Mrs. Roberts felt supported and informed about her changing appetite. This approach helped her better understand her health while empowering her to make balanced choices.
To learn more about how our services can assist seniors, visit www.justdivinehomecare.com today or Call us at (301) 900-5442 for a consultation.
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