‘Different nutritional attention’

Weight maintenance, loss of muscle and energy common issues facing seniors

When Camilla MacPhee was hospitalized with COVID for the second time in 2022, her weight was the last thing on her mind.

However, after weeks in the hospital with a reduced appetite, the numbers on the scale were beginning to become a problem. Within roughly a month she’d lost 25 pounds.

She was concerned, but at the time, she had bigger issues to contend with. In addition to contracting COVID, she’d also recently suffered a heart attack. The series of health setbacks convinced her and her daughters to move Camilla into a senior care home.

She moved into Andrews of Stratford in December 2022 While her family’s worries about access to care were settled, she continued to struggle with maintaining weight She was 106 pounds when Andrews Senior Care’s dietitian Hamid Ferdowsi began working with her

Immediately he started her on a regimen of protein shakes and before long Camilla saw improvements

“My appetite increased,” Camilla said “Before, I didn’t even want to eat and then my appetite got better so I started to gain a bit And now I’m up to 118 pounds which is pretty good ”

While eating healthy is important at any age, proper nutrition is especially important for seniors when weight maintenance, loss of muscle and fatigue can become chronic issues Having access to a dietitian like Hamid can be a game-changer for someone struggling with their nutrition

“When we get older our body will be a bit different,” Hamid said “Our body will need different nutritional attention ”

As we age, he recommends prioritizing eating more protein, fibre and consuming enough liquids. Residents’ meals are built around the pillars of the Canada Food Guide.

“Over 50 our body will lose muscle,” Hamid said. “That’s why we have to get more protein. Also, our organs ' functions would be declining, and there are some changes in thirst or not being hungry as you used to be.”

While proper nutrition is the primary input for most of the residents Hamid works with, staying active is also important.

“Being physically active is key,” he said “Healthy eating and being physically active, both work together and can maintain the level of independence of the residents ”

In addition to working with residents one-on-one, Hamid consults with our dietary teams and chefs to ensure all our residents are eating balanced, healthy meals every day

“It’s amazing having a resource like Hamid on our team,” said Terry Butler, chef at Andrews of Stratford

The menu at Andrews rotates every week and foods are specialized for all residents if they have any dietary needs

“It is called a four-cycle menu, ” said Hamid “We have a rotation every month I provide the nutritional information sheets for the kitchen, and they could see each resident, what kind of diet they are supposed to get, if they have any allergies, any intolerances or likes and dislikes ”

For Camilla, that means lots of healthy, nutrient-dense foods as well as the occasional treat

“I like the pies, and I’m not really a fan of sweets as I used to be,” she said “But a good pie that’s a treat I used to have snacks in my room, I would go out and get things like avocado and bananas Here we get meat or fish every day. And fruit, a lot of fruit and vegetables.”