Monitoring nutrition and preventing malnutrition

As a caregiver or adult child of an older adult, you can take steps to monitor nutritional health, watch for weight loss and address risk factors of malnutrition. Consider the following:

• Monitor weight. Help the older adult check his or her weight at home. Keep a weekly record. Changes in how clothes fit can also indicate weight loss.
• Observe habits. Spend mealtimes together at home — or during mealtime in a hospital or care facility — to observe eating habits. Note what kinds of food are eaten and how much.
• Keep track of medications. Keep a record of all medications, the reason for each medication, dosages, treatment schedules and possible side effects.
• Help with meal plans. Help plan healthy meals or prepare meals ahead of time. Help prepare a shopping list or shop together. Help with money-saving shopping choices.
• Use local services. Contact local service agencies that provide at-home meal deliveries, in-home visits from nurses or dietitians, access to a food pantry, or other nutrition services. The local Area Agency on Aging or a county social worker can provide information about services.
• Make meals social events. Drop by during mealtime or invite the older adult to your home for occasional meals. Go out to eat at a restaurant with senior discounts. Encourage participation in social programs where members of the community can eat together.
• Encourage regular physical activity. Daily exercise — even if it's light — can stimulate appetite and strengthen bones and muscles.