Weight management is a massive part of COPD because of what that weight loss means for her. If you’re still uncertain about why losing weight rapidly could be a problem for her, this information can help you to get a bigger picture of what’s going on.
She Is More Likely to Be Tired
If your elderly family member is losing a lot of weight, she’s more likely to be experiencing fatigue. She’s not getting the calories that she needs to keep her body running, so part of how her body copes is to keep her sleepier. The more tired she is, the less likely she is to be exerting calories running around and doing things.
Her Muscles Get Weaker
Another big problem is that your senior’s muscles get weaker. She’ll notice this with her big muscles, like in her arms and legs, so carrying things and moving around takes more out of her. She’s also going to notice this in smaller muscles, too. The muscles that help her lungs to draw in air also become weaker, which means it’s that much more difficult for her to get the oxygen that she needs.
Her Immune System Weakens
As she loses weight, your senior’s immune system has a more difficult time running the way that it should. That means that it’s that much easier for her to get sick. In terms of COPD, that can mean that lung infections are that much more common for her. As she’s sick more often, she will find it more difficult to get well and she’ll consistently feel less and less healthy
She’ll Just Keep Losing Weight
The worst part about your senior losing weight as she battles COPD is that she’s just going to keep losing weight. Your senior burns far more calories just trying to breathe than you do with the same activity, so her body is burning so much more energy just trying to keep her going. This means that if she’s not eating enough to maintain her weight, she’s going to find herself weighing less and less.
Maintaining her weight may take finding the right combination of food and movement for your senior. Elder care providers can help you and your senior to hit that right combination. Elder care providers can also make cooking so much easier for your senior, especially if she is finding that cooking takes too much of her valuable energy.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elder Care Services in Thompsons Station TN, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home. Serving Middle Tennessee (Nashville, Brentwood, Bell Meade, Franklin, Spring Hill, Columbia, Pulaski, and more!) Call today: 629-203-7925.
Fall prevention is a big part of what companion care at home does to help aging adults stay safe. They…
In this blog, we'll explore how to recognize when seniors need help with toileting, the tools and aids available to…
Touching Hearts at Home is pleased to welcome Carlye Wilson as our new Administrative Assistant!
Our Touching Hearts team recently gathered together to celebrate Thanksgiving and throw Administrative Assistant, Christin, a surprise diaper shower!
Seniors should use these oral hygiene tips to protect their teeth and gums while improving their oral health and overall…
Touching Hearts at Home celebrates 5 years with Executive Director, Sandy Gogulski! Touching Hearts at Home recently celebrated 5 years…
Telehealth appointments are becoming more common and accessible for patients, especially for senior patients. Home care assistance providers can help…
The Touching Hearts at Home Advisory Board met in Austin, TX this week to discuss the future of Touching Hearts…
Congratulations to the Nashville team for receiving the MVP Award at the National Conference in Austin, TX this week!
Because fires are so dangerous for seniors fire prevention is something that seniors and their families should make a priority. Here…