Struggling with Obesity in Later Life

26% of people over 75 are obese in the UK and many elderly people are struggling in what should be a happy retirement. The effects of obesity on everyday life can be shocking and the need for help with once easy tasks increases with the additional impact of ageing.

Complications caused by obesity are life-impacting

The health issues linked to being heavier as you age can be debilitating, straining the physical and mental wellbeing of those affected.

Cleaning a home, laundry, bathing and dressing become challenging, exhausting and frustrating.

Finding specialist help quickly and feeling dignified while receiving it are naturally important to older people searching for bariatric care.

Diabetes, heart disease and sleep apnea

Each is linked with having a higher BMI and many overweight older adults are also living with colon, uterine or breast cancer too.

As a result, many elderly people undergo major bariatric surgery and other invasive procedures, leaving them vulnerable and in need of assistance.

1,341 obesity-related bariatric surgery admissions

An NHS report published in 2021 recorded 1,341 obesity-related bariatric surgery admissions for people aged between 55 and 75.

Being able to leave hospital for specialist care rather than potentially having to stay in hospital can be a huge relief to some people.

Having options like at home assistance and respite care can also help to reduce hospital stays and improve bed capacity for the NHS.

The problem is that many people are unsure about where to go for help when comparing bariatric care providers.

What are the options for bariatric care as you age?

• Residential care homes
• Respite care
• At home assistance
• Live in care

Residential care homes

Moving to a residential care home that has the facilities and staff to be there when bariatric support is needed can be a huge help, especially when the needs of the older person requiring the care are ongoing or complicated.

Belonging to a new community can also be encouraging for lots of people who would have otherwise been at home alone for the majority of their time, while others prefer the peace of mind that comes with knowing there is 24 hour assistance from trained professionals on hand.

Respite care

Temporary bariatric care through a respite stay could be an option to consider if the assistance needed is only for the short-term. Respite care in a residential care home provides support between leaving hospital and returning home.

Typically the minimum amount of time required for a respite stay is two weeks but that can vary depending on the care provider and the level of care needed.

At home care

Overweight or not, moving can be a huge disruption for some people depending on their needs and their emotional tie to their home. It’s perfectly understandable that receiving help through bariatric care at home could be the preferred solution for lots of older adults.

At home carers can visit the homes of the people they help and take the time to assist with preparing meals, household chores, washing and drying hair and many other practical tasks.

Live-in care

Moving from a home filled with memories is too much for some, so when additional support and round the clock care is required, a live-in carer can be an option to consider.

Household tasks, medication administration and assistance with washing are tasks that can all be alleviated with this type of care.

In order to request a live-in-carer, the elderly person requiring the assistance must have a spare bedroom available.

Comparing bariatric care options

Before beginning a search for care providers in your area, it might be useful to list out what you need and want.

(Assuming that the bariatric care needed is for you) think about:

• Whether you’re prepared to move
• How sociable you want to be
• Whether you’d benefit from being in a community
• The pros and cons of home assistance
• Your budget
• Your eligibility for funding
• The level of care required

The unique needs of one person could be completely different to another person, which is why searching for specialist bariatric care has been historically challenging.

How can I find bariatric care near me?

Autumna is the most comprehensive senior care directory in the UK.

Using our online portal, you can search for care specialists in your area and then filter out the ones that aren’t relevant based on your needs and requirements. Under our 'Additional Filters' you can select 'Bariatric Care' which is under the 'Nursing Specialisms' section.

You can also call our free advice line on 01892 335 330 if you’d prefer to talk directly to one of our experts. The phone line is open every day - including weekends - and they can help with more information on finding the right carer or accommodation to help with your specific needs.