You’ve lost weight
Unplanned sudden or significant (over a few months) weight loss is not a normal part of ageing. It could signal pain, depression, swallowing problems, medication side effects, or unfinished meals.
Questions you can ask
How much weight has been lost, and over what time?
Has appetite or eating support changed?
Has the GP or dietitian been informed?
How frequently is weight being monitored?
What to look for if you’re there
If you can, join your loved one for mealtimes at different times of the day and observe what how mealtimes work. Look for:
How much time your loved one is given to finish their meal
Whether or how often they are interrupted
Whether they cough or if it seems difficult to swallow. Tell staff straight away
Where help or encouragement might be needed
Whether the meal seems appealing
Whether your loved one is wearing their dentures, if needed, and whether they might not fit properly
Whether you would like to eat in that environment
Simple things you can request
Fluid and food intake charts
Weight monitoring occurs monthly, if there is sudden or significant weight loss asks for weight to be measured more frequently
A dietitian, speech therapist, or GP review
Help at mealtimes, if needed
A Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) if appetite has changed
Why it’s okay to ask
Elderly people need good nutrition and hydration.
Asking about weight loss is not being pedantic — it’s part of being involved in ensuring and supporting good care.
In a system under strain, every voice asking for more helps to improve the system.
If you’re still concerned
Ask for a copy of the most recent health and medical reports.
Ask for a Care Plan review meeting.
Ask for larger meal servings.
Make your voice for system change heard.
