How to Spot Signs of Malnutrition in Older Adults in Croydon and Dulwich
Spot the signs of malnutrition in older adults in Croydon & Dulwich. Learn what to look for and how our Care Professionals can help.
Malnutrition in older adults is more common than many people realise and often goes unnoticed until it starts to affect energy, mobility, and general health.
At Home Instead Croydon & Dulwich, we know how important it is to spot the early signs of malnutrition and act quickly. Whether you’re a family member, neighbour, or professional caregiver, understanding what to look for can make a real difference to someone’s wellbeing.
What is malnutrition in older adults?
Malnutrition happens when a person doesn’t get the right amount of nutrients to stay healthy. This might mean eating too little, missing key nutrients, or having a poor appetite over time. In older adults, it’s often linked to underlying health conditions, isolation, difficulty cooking, or forgetting to eat due to dementia or medication side effects.In areas like Croydon and Dulwich, we’ve supported older people living alone or managing long-term health conditions who unintentionally stop eating enough. It’s not always a case of obvious weight loss; it can be subtle changes over weeks or months.
What are the early signs of malnutrition in older people?
Recognising the signs of malnutrition early is essential. Here are some things to look out for:
– Clothes or rings becoming looser
– Lack of appetite or meals left uneaten
– Changes in mood, such as irritability or low energy
– Fatigue, weakness, or muscle loss
– Poor concentration or confusion
– Recurring infections or longer healing times
– Dry skin or brittle hair and nails
At Home Instead Croydon & Dulwich, our Care Professionals are trained to notice these changes and raise concerns promptly. Regular visits mean we get to know our clients well, so we can spot when something isn’t quite right.
How our Care Professionals support nutrition and wellbeing
Our approach to care starts with kindness. We believe that you can train someone to do a job, but you can’t train someone to be kind-hearted. That’s why our recruitment process focuses on finding people who are not only capable but genuinely compassionate.
Our Care Professionals come from a variety of backgrounds, some with care experience, some without, but all receive award-winning training in areas such as nutrition, dementia, Parkinson’s, and end-of-life care. For new starters, we offer shadow shifts and ongoing support to ensure they feel confident supporting every client’s unique needs.
When it comes to malnutrition, our Care Professionals help in many practical ways:
– Preparing fresh meals tailored to clients’ tastes and preferences
– Encouraging regular hydration and small snacks throughout the day
– Sitting down for meals to make eating a sociable experience, or eating out
– Supporting clients with shopping or planning balanced menus
– Liaising with families and health professionals if weight loss or appetite changes are observed
The power of continuity and time
One of the biggest advantages of our service is that all visits are at least one hour long, and clients see the same Care Professionals regularly. This gives us time to prepare nutritious meals, observe any changes, and build relationships based on trust. It’s this continuity that helps us notice the small but important signs of declining nutrition or wellbeing.We’re proud to say our Croydon & Dulwich services are rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission. But it’s the small, daily moments that matter most – like sharing lunch, encouraging a favourite pudding, or gently reminding someone to have a drink.
Worried about malnutrition in a loved one?
If you’ve noticed changes in an older person’s appetite, weight, or general energy levels, it’s worth having a conversation.
Whether you’re in Croydon, Dulwich, or the surrounding areas, our team is here to help. From meal preparation and shopping support to companionship and personal care, we offer flexible, relationship-led care that puts dignity and wellbeing first.
Enquire online or call 0208 033 0014for an informal chat with our team.