Is Your Aging Parent Eating Enough?
As a family caregiver, you are not only responsible for helping your parent to manage the health challenges and physical limitations they already face. You must also pay close attention to their health and well-being, and recognize risks and challenges they may be facing that could lead to further difficulties in the future.
Homecare in Indianapolis IN: Senior Malnutrition
One of these is malnutrition. Many elderly adults struggle with malnutrition, and this can lead to very serious consequences, including increased risk for cancers, decreased heart health, lower energy, poor digestion, and more. Paying attention to their condition and functioning can help you to detect issues that might indicate your senior is not eating enough. This will allow you to make changes to your care approach to help your parent to eat more, and get the nutrition they need on a regular basis.
Some signs your parent might not be eating enough include:
- Losing weight
- Lack of appetite, or not showing interest in even favorite foods
- Complaining of being cold even in environments that are comfortable
- Taking longer to heal from wounds
- Taking longer to recover from illnesses and infections
- Depression
- A higher instance of illnesses and infections
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Having a difficult time concentrating
If you notice these symptoms in your aging parent, it is important to manage them as quickly as possible. Helping your parent to get the nutrition that they need starts with recognizing why they are not eating enough. Some elderly adults struggle with mobility challenges and other physical issues that make it difficult for them to prepare meals.
Those struggling with cognitive functioning decline may not be able to remember when, how, or why to eat, and depression and other mental health issues can make it more difficult for seniors to feel motivated to eat on their own. Finding ways to work around these issues helps your parent to get the nutrition they need to help their body thrive, and better enjoy their later years.
Keeping your aging parent as healthy as possible throughout their later years is likely one of your top priorities as a family caregiver.
While there are many ways you can do this, starting home care for them can be one of the most effective and meaningful. An in-home senior care services provider can be with your aging parent on a customized schedule to help them take control of their health and a variety of different ways.
From encouraging them to get enough physical activity, to supporting a healthier diet and enough hydration with meal and snack preparation, and providing medication reminders to help your parent stay compliant with their medications and instructions from their doctor, this personalized care can be invaluable for maintaining better health as they age in place.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Homecare in Indianapolis, IN, please call the caring staff at Home Services Unlimited. Serving Greater Indianapolis Area. Call for Immediate Info & Assistance: (317) 471-0760
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As a practicing Registered Nurse, Etelka was keenly aware of a void in quality patient care that could be provided in the home. She embarked upon a journey to develop a home health care agency that would exceed all expectations and become a trusted partner to physicians and patients.
A Distinguished Career From Nurse to Director of Nursing to President of Home Services Unlimited
Etelka’s distinguished career followed a logical progression to her position as President of Home Services Unlimited. She graduated as a nurse practitioner with a Bachelor of Nursing (RN) in 1972 from Meshgorya University in the Ukraine, close to where she lived with her family. She married her husband Phil in 1973 and decided in 1977 that they would relocate to the United States to be closer to family and to come to this land of opportunity. With an eagerness to continue her budding career, Etelka sat for and passed her Boards in the U.S. in 1979.
A Love and Talent for Working with the Elderly
Etelka began her nursing career in the U.S. at Colonial Crest, now part of Golden Living, where she was the In-service Coordinator, the Director of Training and Education and Director of Nursing, a position she occupied for several years.
With a group of partners, she co-founded Adept Corporation, which operated group homes for the mentally challenged. The business was successful and in 1996, Etelka sold her share to return to her roots, caring for the elderly.
In January of 1997, Etelka opened Home Services Unlimited as a fully licensed business to provide home health care. In her quest to learn to do better for her patients, she had already obtained a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) in May of 1990 from the College of St. Francis. As President of Home Services Unlimited, Inc., Etelka guides the trusted, experienced care model Home Services Unlimited uses to continue providing excellent home health care.
Giving Back to the Community of Indianapolis
Volunteering for community services is a high priority for Etelka. Her memberships include the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Executive Women in Health Care and the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care, where she is a member of the Board of Directors.
Etelka has also served on the Board of Directors with Hooverwood Home, a highly regarded geriatric facility, since 1997 and as the President for 2005-2006. Through her community work, she has received several awards and accolades, including the Nora McFarland award in 2002, from the Indiana Association of Home and Hospice Care.
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