The elderly population is the most vulnerable to malnutrition, and the reasons aren’t that simple. It comes as a combination of social, psychological, physical, and even financial issues. Home healthcare in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, lists down several causes of malnutrition among the elderly:

• Illness
  Certain illnesses can contribute to a decline in the elderly’s appetite and how their bodies absorb and process nutrients.
• Normal age-related changes
  As we age, our sense of smell and appetite decreases, which can make it more difficult to keep regular eating habits or to enjoy eating. One of the senior care services includes preparing nutritious meals that are desirable to the elderly.
• Medications
  Their medications’ side effects may either affect their appetite or ability to absorb nutrients.
• Limited income
  Some older adults may not be able to afford groceries, especially when they’re taking expensive ones. This can be addressed when they join local services such as community inclusion that provide at-home meal deliveries.
• Eating impairment
  Conditions such as swallowing, chewing, limited ability to handle tableware or poor dental health can increase a senior’s risk of malnutrition.
• Dementia
  Alzheimer’s and other kinds of dementia can make seniors forgetful even to eat or buy groceries for themselves. In this case, homecare agency in Delaware county can greatly help.

Looking for in-home support on behalf of your elderly loved ones? ALLCARE & ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES LLC provides senior care, adult autism services, and more. Reach us today!