Here is a guide with exact nutritional methods for helping an 84-year old woman with anorexia to regain strength and energy:
1. Assess the woman’s nutritional status.
The first step is to assess the woman’s nutritional status. This includes evaluating her weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and dietary intake. The professional will also look for any signs of malnutrition, such as fatigue, hair loss, or dry skin.
2. Develop a nutritional plan.
Once the woman’s nutritional status has been assessed, the professional will develop a nutritional plan. This plan will be tailored to the woman’s individual needs and will include a variety of foods from all food groups. The plan will also specify the number of calories and nutrients that the woman should consume each day.
3. Implement the nutritional plan.
The professional will work with the woman to implement the nutritional plan. This may involve providing the woman with education about nutrition, cooking healthy meals, or helping her to overcome her fear of food.
4. Monitor the woman’s progress.
The professional will monitor the woman’s progress throughout the treatment process. This includes tracking her weight, BMI, and dietary intake. The professional will also look for any signs of improvement in her overall health.
5. Adjust the nutritional plan as needed.
If the woman is not making progress, the professional may need to adjust the nutritional plan. The professional may also need to refer the woman to other treatment providers, such as a therapist or psychiatrist.
Here are some specific nutritional methods that may be helpful for an 84-year old woman with anorexia:
- Encourage her to eat small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day. This will help to keep her blood sugar levels stable and prevent her from feeling hungry.
- Offer her high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods. This includes foods such as nuts, seeds, avocados, yogurt, and eggs.
- Make sure she is getting enough protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Good sources of protein include lean meat, fish, poultry, beans, and lentils.
- Encourage her to drink plenty of fluids. Fluids are important for overall health and can help to prevent dehydration.
- Be patient and understanding. Recovery from anorexia takes time. Be patient with the woman and offer your support throughout the process.
Here are some additional tips for professionals who are implementing a nutritional plan for an 84-year old woman with anorexia:
- Be patient and understanding. Recovery from anorexia takes time. Be patient with the woman and offer your support throughout the process.
- Be flexible. The woman’s nutritional needs may change over time. Be flexible and willing to adjust the plan as needed.
- Be supportive. The woman may need emotional support as she recovers from anorexia. Be there for her and offer your support.
- Be positive. Recovery from anorexia is possible. Be positive and offer the woman hope for the future.
Thanks Bard
Sandra’s health info today:
- Height: 5’8’
- Weight 120 lbs
- BMI 18.2
- Dietary Intake: varied, mostly liquid diet (water, electrolytes, Popsicles, broth, protein drinks, V8, cranberry juice or sauce, beet juice or beets, juice, bananas, and green tea variations.
- Supplements: topical oils (black seed oil, Turkey tail, olive oil); oral pills (One a Day, vit D, potassium/magnesium). Added to liquids daily: Sole, inositol, and cell food. I put the oil on her feet nearly every day. She goes in spurts when it comes to oral supplements due to nausea and vomiting. She won’t take anything when she’s nauseous or vomiting.
Sandra’s Malnutrition Factors
The signs of malnutrition can vary depending on the type of malnutrition and the severity of the condition. Some common signs of malnutrition include:
- Weight loss ✔️
- Fatigue ✔️
- Weakness ✔️
- Pale skin ✔️
- Brittle hair ✔️
- Swollen glands
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Anemia ✔️
- Impaired cognitive function ✔️
- Delayed growth
Here are some additional physical symptoms of malnutrition:
- Short stature
- Osteoporosis
- Muscle wasting ✔️
- Swelling
- Changes in skin color ✔️
- Slow wound healing
- Increased risk of infections
- Mental health problems ✔️
It’s clear my mom needs:
- A nutrition professional to assess her needs and work with her on her fear of foods.
- To get her dentures fixed.
- Education so she doesn’t revert back to eating hazardous foods or taking pharmaceutical drugs.
- Physical therapy when she’s willing.
- Mental health issues.
- Medical social worker.
- Occupational therapy.
All of these are part of home health care.
