31 Dec How to Deal with Cachexia
How to Deal with Cachexia/Weight Loss/Wasting in the Elderly
Dealing with cachexia, or weight loss, in a family member can be scary. It can start to feel like you’re watching your loved one waste away. This condition is usually associated with people who suffer from chronic conditions, so treating it isn’t easy. As a matter of fact, there is no one treatment that has been proven effective in reducing or eliminating cachexia, but there are a few things you can try.
Make eating a social occasion
Some chronically ill patients with cachexia lose interest in eating. Surprisingly, the solution isn’t to force your loved one to eat when they don’t want to. Instead, try and make eating a meal fun.
Prepare a light lunch or cook dinner, set the table, and invite them to eat at the table with other friends and family members. This can make eating seem less like a chore, and more like something fun they get to do with others.
When you do eat together, give your loved one control over what they eat, and how much they eat. Although they may only snack while the rest of the family eats a full meal, it’s better that they get something into their stomach than nothing at all.
Encourage light exercise
Cachexia often means that muscle mass is lost, in addition to weight. That can leave your loved one feeling weak and frail. If they’re up for it, try a little exercise. Lifting a few light weights or going for a walk around the block can be helpful, even if it just lifts their spirits.
Cachexia can take its toll on caregivers as well as patients, so make sure you seek emotional support. Getting care help can do wonders if you feel like you could use some professional assistance. Contact Life & Health Care, and we can create a personalized care plan for your loved one.