As we get older, our appetites change. This makes nutrition a main focus in care homes to ensure residents are receiving a healthy, well-balanced diet filled with appetising foods. This article delves deeper into understanding how appetites change with age, with a focus on the physiological and mental changes that may cause a difference in care home residents’ appetites as they get older.

What Impacts Our Appetite?

From a young child to later years, there are many different factors that can impact our appetite. Mental and physical health, environment and lifestyle can all affect our overall eating experience and habits. As a baby and toddler, we are exposed to new foods and develop different tastes, gradually learning what we do and don’t like.

During our teenage and young adult years, changes in hormones, metabolism and working life all impact on our approach to eating and shape our choices. We might start skipping meals or eating fast food on the go to accommodate a busy lifestyle. During our 30s and 40s, the effects of working stress can create unhealthy eating habits, often causing people to either overeat or lose their appetite. Protein intake is more important from the age of around 50 due to a gradual loss of muscle mass for those in this age group.

These days, the increase in life expectancy means there should be a clear focus on nutrition for those aged 60 and above. However, this is often easier said than done, as old age can bring poor appetite which can in turn lead to weight loss and increased fragility. As a result, there is a higher risk of falls and hospital visits.

How Is Appetite Different for the Elderly? 

Contrary to common belief, the stomach doesn’t shrink with age – rather, physiological changes mistakenly tell the brain that a person is full when they’re not. This causes older people to experience unintentional weight loss. There are also other factors that may impact appetite for the elderly, such as:

• impaired senses
• digestive system changes
• medication side effects
• mouth pain or dental issues
• impaired dexterity

Reduced physical activity and lower energy levels mean that older people need fewer calories. However, it’s worth noting here that if you notice an elderly person is refusing to eat and is experiencing extreme weight loss, there is a risk of malnutrition which will require immediate attention.

How Does Dementia Impact Appetite?

Dementia can prevent older people from maintaining healthy eating habits and their appetite can change as the condition progresses. The physical and mental changes they undergo can mean that a person with dementia is not able to carry out the different steps required for eating a meal, such as using cutlery, feeding themselves and swallowing food. As a result, they may become agitated and upset that they are unable to complete a task they were previously able to do easily.

It can be tricky for older people to put on the weight they have lost, so early intervention is key to ensure those living with dementia receive the nutritional intake they need for a well-balanced diet. But how can healthy eating habits be introduced?

How Can the Appetite of Care Home Residents Be Increased?

1. Encourage social dining for at least one meal a day – this should be as inclusive as possible so residents who are assisted can eat in a respectful manner
2. Prepare for the dining experience so that residents feel comfortable and dignified
3. Involve residents in menu creation and ask for feedback in person as well as via forms so more introverted residents still feel involved
4. Meals should be nutritious, colourful and appetising – add a little extra fat to meals for those struggling to keep weight on
5. Portion control – don’t pile food onto the plate, as this may overwhelm the residents
6. Set a schedule for meals so that it’s part of a routine for residents, but be flexible and let them choose what they’d like to eat and when if required

At Bondcare, our talented team of chefs caters for different dietary requirements so that all residents in our care homes receive healthy, nutritious meals. We understand how important a well-balanced diet is for older people, which is why we spend a great deal of time and effort putting together menus that meet their needs. To find out more about any of our care homes across the UK, simply get in touch with our experienced team today.

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What is a residential care home?

Care homes are staffed at all hours of the day to ensure the safety of the residents. The majority of staff working there will be qualified care assistants with NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) or RQFs (Regulated Qualifications Framework), in Level 2 or 3. Managers of residential care homes are required to have a Registered Manager Award but will not necessarily have nursing qualifications, as this isn’t necessary. If any residents need medicine or treatment administered by specialist nurses, they will be called in at an appropriate time.

The staff are able to assist and encourage residents with dressing, washing, eating, drinking and joining in on social activities. Records are kept for each resident to ensure they keep on track with their individualised plan of care. Medications prescribed by their Gp will be offered at the times stated on the prescription. Whilst the staff are on hand for support, they also respect the residents’ dignity, privacy and encourage their independence.

What is a nursing home?

A nursing home is for people who are requiring nursing care combined with residential/social care. A team of registered nurses will be available 24 hours a day. This can include a variety of patients, for example;

• People recovering from surgery
• People with serious short or long term illnesses
• People recovering from serious injuries
• People in need of extra nursing care before returning home (Rehabilitation/Intermediate Care)
• People with complex nursing needs
• People needing palliative care

Although nursing homes offer clinical services, they are much closer to a home than a hospital, as they offer the atmosphere of a home, so you don’t feel out of place. Some nursing homes have dual-registration, so can provide care with or without nursing, allowing residents to stay at the same residence whilst receiving different levels of care over time.

Nursing homes have specialists beds to help with day-to-day tasks and provide comfort to the residents. There will be nursing staff available 24 hours a day who will be trained to recognise symptoms of illnesses and use specialist equipment to move and handle the residents safely. There are nursing homes available that provide professional care and support for those specifically with dementia, as their needs may not be met in a standard care home.

Before a person enters a nursing home, a comprehensive person centred pre-admission assessment will be completed to ensure the staff know a little about the person before they are admitted and that any equipment they may require, will be in place on admission. These kinds of nursing homes even have decor orientated towards providing a calming experience for dementia patients – making it a perfect choice for someone dealing with the disease.

When considering a nursing home, we recommend choosing a nursing home that suits the needs of yourself or your loved one in the current moment, but it’s also important to consider the future there too.

Which is better for me/my relative?

Choosing a care home for yourself or a relative will be an emotional decision, but it is important you choose wisely in order to reach the needs of the potential resident. If you are unsure which one would be better suited, we recommend reaching out to both for their professional opinion.

A nursing home provides specialist care for a variety of medical issues, these can include but are not limited to:

• All types of Dementia
• Huntington’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Rehabilitation/Intermediate Care
• Young people with physical disabilities.
• Palliative Care
• Behaviours that are challenging
• Trauma Care

Whichever care home you choose, you’ll receive a personalised care plan and regular updates to ensure the resident is on track.

Some other forms of care homes to consider

If you’re unsure, you’ll be able to apply for more specific care, such as:

• Independent living – this is orientated towards individuals who don’t need care but want to live with the luxury of medical care whenever they may need it. It also helps battle loneliness in old age.
• Elderly mentally infirm – elderly people who suffer from mental illnesses, disorders or impairments can have a more specialised form of care in their old age, due to the higher level of care needed.

What is NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding?

NHS continuing healthcare is a care package for people who have been assessed and need ongoing healthcare. It is completely funded by the NHS and arranged by healthcare professionals – but getting funding can be difficult, often needing many requirements and taking many months to get organised.

Here at Bondcare, we pride ourselves on creating a friendly and comfortable environment for all our residents, whether this is yourself or a loved one. Privacy, independence and dignity are of the utmost importance for our residents, which is why we retain this for all. For more information on our care homes and services, please get in touch with a member of our team today.

The post Residential Care Home vs Nursing Home: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Bondcare.