There is nothing wrong with needing the support of a nursing home or assisted living facility to help you care for your loved one as they age, and their needs change.
When you place your friend or family member in someone else’s care, you trust that they will do what they promised and give your loved one the best possible care. It can be challenging to see the signs of malnutrition. Still, it is critical to watch for it to ensure your loved one receives quality care.
These are some of the signs of malnutrition you should watch for when visiting your friend or family member.
More than weight changes
When you see a drastic change in your loved one’s weight, you know something is wrong. However, there are other signs you should watch for if you suspect that your loved one is malnourished, such as:
- Skin that becomes dry, thick or pale
- Unexplained bruises or bruising easily
- Change in sensitivity to light
- Rashes or sores
In many cases, symptoms like these can come before you start seeing weight changes. Keep in mind that you may not see a change in weight if your loved one is getting food that is calorie-dense but nutrient deficient.
Next steps
An essential part of dealing with suspected malnutrition is to start seeking treatment. You will need to arrange medical care for your loved one to confirm they are suffering from malnutrition.
Confirming your loved one is suffering from malnutrition starts a significant process of seeking better care for them and determining liability on the part of the facility. This can be a challenging process, so you should talk to a skilled professional about what happens next.
