Senior Nutrition

Good nutrition supports health, independence, and quality of life for older adults. More than one in three seniors in the care of others is at risk of under- or malnutrition. Malnutrition is not only a lack of food; it’s a lack of the right nutrients. Because the signs can be subtle, even a senior who “eats well” may not be eating what their body needs.

At Comfort Keepers^®, we help seniors live well at home and promote healthy habits through our Nourish Senior Life^® initiative.

Why nutrition matters

As needs change with age, meal routines should change too. The right mix of nutrients can help maintain strength, support immunity, and improve energy, making daily life safer and more enjoyable.

Signs to watch for

Family members and caregivers can help by staying alert to common indicators of hunger or malnutrition:

• Physical changes. Slow wound healing, easy bruising, dental or chewing difficulties, and persistent fatigue.
• Unintentional weight loss. Consider a home scale or periodic weight checks at the doctor’s office when standing is difficult.
• Shifts in eating patterns. Keep an eye on what, where, and when meals happen; don’t rely on self-reports alone.
• Isolation at mealtimes. Eating alone can reduce appetite. If a senior lives alone, confirm who is shopping and what is being purchased.
• Medication effects. Some prescriptions and over-the-counter products affect appetite, taste, and digestion. Ask a pharmacist about potential drug–nutrient interactions and side effects.

If you have medical questions about nutrition, medication, or health, speak with a physician. Your doctor may recommend tests to identify chronic malnutrition or other nutrition-related issues.

How Comfort Keepers^® can help

Our caregivers—whom we proudly call Comfort Keepers^®—provide respectful, day-to-day support that makes eating well easier at home:

• Meal planning and preparation that reflects personal preferences and cultural traditions.
• Grocery shopping and pantry checks to keep nourishing staples on hand.
• Mealtime companionship to encourage consistent, enjoyable eating routines.
• Observation and reporting of appetite changes or concerns to family and healthcare providers.

This is non-medical support designed to complement your loved one’s care plan and promote independence and dignity.

Take part in your community

Want to help seniors with limited resources? Donate non-perishable food items through your local participating Comfort Keepers office as part of Feed Seniors Now^®. Your contribution supports neighbours who need it most.