Introduction
Weight loss experience in late adulthood is a critical concern to health care providers. Loss of weight is an indicator of malnutrition; therefore, appropriate management should be given promptly. In recent studies, the elderly suffering from involuntary weight loss has significantly contributed to morbidity and mortality (Na et al., 2021). Health care providers should have a framework for assessing and evaluating weight loss in patients.
Summary Using Nine D’s of Geriatric Weight Loss
Dementia predisposes Roy to forget doing daily routines such as exercising, taking meals, and cooking. Polypharmacy becomes a challenge and stress for Roy, which leads to loss of weight. Dysphagia enhances the choking of food, thus leading to dehydration and malnutrition. Dysgeusia predisposes Roy to a distorted taste of food, leading to a disorder that emanates from foul, salty, and metallic perceptions. Dentation portrays challenges of food aversion and reduced food intake, thus suppressing weight. Diarrhea causes loss of nutrients and electrolytes vital for weight maintenance (Na et al., 2021). Depression causes a change of appetite leading to a low intake of food. Diseases cause muscle wasting that predisposes Roy to weight loss. Dysfunction of body organs leads to debilitating nature that involves insufficient information about food.
Steps Involved in Improving Eating Habits
First, the family should encourage Roy to eat more frequently. Measuring food intake is essential because an increase in food consumption evaluates improvement. Instead of taking three meals a day, the family should make arrangements for five to six smaller meals. Second, consuming foods rich in calories (Na et al., 2021). The family should have a weighing scale to ascertain the effectiveness of high caloric foods. Weight loss is an essential and crucial concept that healthcare workers and family members must have prior knowledge of for patients’ effective management.
Reference
Na, W., Kim, J., Kim, H., Lee, Y., Jeong, B., Lee, S. P., & Sohn, C. (2021). Evaluation of oral nutritional supplementation in the management of frailty among the elderly at facilities of community care for the elderly.Clinical Nutrition Research, 10(1), 24–35. Web.