By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2010-12-22 01:49:13 | Word Count: 664
Obese seniors may need to receive weight loss care at a Bariatric Skilled Nursing Facility. Bariatric Care services are weight management services for senior residents with obesity (senior who are over 350 lbs). The facility has the means to rehabilitate, accommodate, and meet the needs of the senior. Your senior loved one may need special equipment, and the bariatric care facility will be able to assist the needs of the senior.
Many Bariatric Skilled Nursing Facilities offer a multi-disciplinary approach to weight loss. Since there are over 127 million adults who are overweight, and 400,000 obesity related deaths each year, it is important to get the care that your senior loved one may need. It is important to get Bariatric care for a senior who is obese because obesity worsens health and the quality of life, obesity has been associated with a decrease in life expectancy, and there may be many health problems that can occur from obesity. Morbid obesity can cause physical and emotional issues for senior. Some illnesses include high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, joint pain, incontinence, depression, and many other illnesses and diseases. The benefit of losing weight and receiving bariatric care services can be that a person is more mobile and functional, as well as being healthier.
[ advertisement ]
Surgery, Nutritional Programs, Social work Services, Physical and Occupational Therapy, and Nursing Services are usually available for residents in a Bariatric Skilled Nursing Facility. There are different types of surgery options for obese seniors to receive. If a seniors BMI is 40 or greater, weight loss surgery may help to better their lives. Malabsorptive surgery, restrictive surgery, or combined surgery may be an option for an obese senior who needs to lose weight. If a senior is considering weight loss surgery, contact the seniors health insurance company to determine if the costs will be covered. If the insurance covers the procedure, speak with insurance company regarding their policies and what you will need to do. Some insurance companies require in depth information regarding the health of the individual and written documentation from a doctor. If your insurance company does not cover weight loss surgery, the other option is self-pay.
Bariatric care services often include weight loss through the means of a nutritional program including a broad range of dietary services to meet the needs of the resident. Some plans include a healthier dietary plan, portion control, food preparation training, and ways to control dietary urges to maintain a healthier lifestyle. There are also counseling services available to the residents who need to talk with someone regarding their life choices, their individuals needs, and emotional issues they may be having. These supportive services provide guidance, suggestions, support, and help for a new way of life. The therapy offered in Bariatric facilities include physical and occupational therapy focusing on improving the strength, mobility, endurance, and independence. Most obese individuals need help to safely live independently at home, or to transition into senior housing. The senior residents receive exercise plans that they can implement in their home or new facility, as well as, possible referrals to outpatient care services. While in bariatric care, seniors receive specialized nursing services, medications and treatments, and personalized care. The bariatric skilled nursing facility can help your loved one live safely and comfortably, and may be able to change their life.
