Elder Care Tips: Signs Of Malnutrition In Seniors

By Author: Robin Hewitt
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You’ve probably seen the advertisements urging you to fight hunger and malnutrition in third world countries: large-eyed children with protruding ribs and bloated bellies. What you may not realize is that malnutrition is also a critical issue for the elderly population in the United States, as well. According to a report by Danielle Maher and Carol Eliadi EdD, JD, APRN in the RN Journal approximately 60 percent of hospitalized seniors suffer malnutrition, compared to five to ten percent of those living in a community setting such as private homes or assisted living facilities. The Mayo Clinic states there are specific signs of malnutrition you can look for if you suspect your elderly family member isn’t getting the proper nutrition:

Loss of appetite
Dry, dull hair
Receding gums
Dry eyes
Loss of senses, such as taste and smell
Weight loss
Mental confusion
Motor weakness
Easy injured skin
Whether living at home, in an assisted living facility, nursing home, or hospital, if you see signs of malnutrition in your family member you should immediately address the ...
... issues with the health provider in charge of elder care in order to pinpoint the cause or causes of malnutrition and plan diet changes to address the situation. Poverty is often the underlying cause of malnutrition, as the elderly person might have to choose between medicine, heat, and food. There are other reasons that might cause an elderly person to neglect their diet:

Depression, loneliness, and grief
Medications, either alone or a combination of two or more
Poor dental hygiene or ill-fitting dentures
Health issues such as trouble swallowing, loss of taste or sense of smell
Difficulty absorbing nutrients
Alcoholism
Dietary restrictions, such as low sodium or sugar diet requirements
Chronic illness
If you suspect that your senior may be suffering from malnutrition your first step should be to accompany them to a health provider as soon as possible to have their nutrient levels checked. Ask the physician or pharmacist to check all medications for food-absorption issues, and ask if specific vitamins or supplements are needed. Request a consultation with a dietitian who specializes in elder care, and get a specific diet list. If you are the primary elder care provider, consider taking over the shopping and food preparation duties to ensure proper nutrition. Make sure the food is flavorful as well as nutrient-rich, and encourage healthy snacking as well as a routine of constantly sipping water. Whether living at homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or hospitals, you should enlist friends and family members to join the elderly care patient for meals as often as possible.


Malnutrition in the elderly can cause an onslaught of medical conditions, including muscle weakness, fatigue, depression, frail skin digestive problems, anemia, lung and heart problems, and increased risk of infections. By properly addressing malnutrition in elder care you will see near-immediate improvement in mental awareness and energy levels as well as increase resistance to disease and illness.

Robin Hewitt is a freelance writer working with Visiting Angels to educate caregivers about malnutrition and other elder care issues. To learn more about home care , visit our website.