While an occasional loss of appetite is nothing you should be worried about, a consistent loss of appetite can become a serious health risk. There are a number of reasons why a senior may start eating less and OptimumCare Home Care Services, your trusted provider of home care service in Woodbridge, Virginia, is here to go through several of those reasons with you.

• Medication Side Effects
  Nausea and loss of appetite are two of the most common side effects of many medications. Before starting on a new treatment, make sure to ask your loved one’s doctor about what side-effects to watch out for, to better prepare yourself and your senior.
• Depression and Anxiety
  These two symptoms, along with stress and tension, can cause a person to lose their appetite. This could be because they’re feeling nauseated or ill due to their emotional turmoil, or they may simply not feel the urge to eat.
• Ill-Fitting Dentures
  Poorly made dentures and other dental problems may cause your senior to feel reluctant about eating as well. It can be very difficult to eat if it’s painful to chew or your dentures keep slipping around in your mouth.
• Medical Conditions
  If it isn’t any of the three listed above, it may be due to a different undiagnosed condition like Alzheimer’s, kidney disease, or hepatitis.

If you notice your loved one has lost their usual appetite, it might be time to consult your doctor and ask about skilled nursing in McLean, Virginia.

With the right companion services in Fredericksburg, Virginia your senior can avoid conditions like radical weight loss and malnutrition as well as achieve the daily nutritional requirements for a healthy and more meaningful life.