Comfort Keepers® franchisees across the nation are educating families to WATCH to detect
the signs of malnutrition in the growing population of older Americans. WATCH is a mnemonic that makes it easier to remember the five steps families should remember when observing their loved ones for nutrition problems:
• Watch for physical problems. Look for bruising, dental difficulties, or sudden or sustained weight gain or weight loss.
• Ask seniors about their eating habits. How have their tastes or preferences changed?
• Talk to a doctor. Discuss nutritional needs or problems specific to the loved ones’ unique needs or management of diseases.
• Check with a pharmacist. They can warn you of the potential for drug-food interactions.
• Have your visits during mealtime. This is the best time to observe eating habits first-hand.