Adult Failure to Thrive (ICD-10 R62.7): How Home Care Can Help

When people hear the term failure to thrive, they often think of infants. However, adult failure to thrive (ICD-10 code R62.7) is a serious condition that frequently affects seniors living at home. For families searching for home care services near them, understanding this diagnosis can be the first step toward lifesaving intervention.

Failure to thrive in older adults is not a normal part of aging. With early recognition and the right local home care support, seniors can remain safe, nourished, and engaged in their own homes.

What Is Adult Failure to Thrive? (ICD-10 Code R62.7)

According to the Institute of Medicine, adult failure to thrive is defined by:

• Unintentional weight loss of more than 5%
• Decreased appetite
• Poor nutrition
• Physical inactivity

Clinically documented as ICD-10 R62.7, adult failure to thrive often includes medical, emotional, and social factors. Many seniors experiencing this condition live alone or lack consistent daily support—making in-home care services a critical part of treatment.

Failure to Thrive in Seniors Living at Home

Adult failure to thrive affects:

• Up to 35% of community-dwelling older adults
• Up to 40% of nursing home residents
• Up to 60% of hospitalized veterans

For seniors aging in place, failure to thrive may go unnoticed until a crisis occurs. Families often begin searching for:

• Home care for failure to thrive
• Elderly care near me
• In-home caregiver for seniors

Early intervention through local home care providers can prevent hospitalizations and long-term facility placement.

Common Warning Signs Families Should Watch For

If your loved one lives at home and shows any of the following, it may indicate adult failure to thrive (R62.7):

• Unexplained weight loss
• Lack of interest in food or cooking
• Depression or social withdrawal
• Fatigue or reduced mobility
• Forgetting meals or medications
• Loss of interest in hobbies or daily routines

These warning signs should prompt families to seek professional home care services to support daily living and emotional well-being.

Depression and Adult Failure to Thrive

Depression is a leading contributor to failure to thrive in seniors and is often undiagnosed. Symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and memory changes are frequently mistaken for dementia.

In-home caregivers play an important role by:

• Providing companionship
• Encouraging routine and engagement
• Observing changes and reporting concerns to families and physicians

When depression is identified early, outcomes for failure to thrive in elderly adults improve significantly.

Malnutrition and the Role of In-Home Care

Malnutrition is an independent predictor of adult failure to thrive and increased mortality. Many seniors struggle with:

• Grocery shopping
• Meal preparation
• Remembering to eat

Home care services can help by:

• Preparing nutrient-dense meals
• Monitoring daily caloric intake
• Encouraging hydration
• Tracking weight changes

Caregivers often find that seniors eat better when meals are shared, especially during morning hours.

Creating a Failure to Thrive Care Plan at Home (ICD-10 R62.7)

An effective Adult-failure-to-thrive care plan often includes non-medical home care support, such as:

• Monitoring daily food and fluid intake
• Observing weight and appetite changes
• Encouraging mobility and light exercise
• Supporting personal hygiene and grooming
• Promoting social interaction and routine
• Providing transportation to appointments

Home care allows seniors to receive this support in familiar surroundings, reducing stress and improving quality of life.

Why Local Home Care Makes a Difference

Managing adult failure to thrive (ICD-10 R62.7) requires a team approach. Local home care agencies work alongside:

• Primary care providers
• Dietitians
• Mental health professionals
• Family caregivers

Having a trusted local caregiver ensures consistency, quicker response to changes, and peace of mind for families.

Adult Failure to Thrive Is Not Normal Aging

Weight loss, depression, and withdrawal from daily activities are not normal signs of aging. They are often early indicators of adult failure to thrive and require immediate attention.

With the support of professional in-home care services, older adults can regain stability, dignity, and independence—while remaining safely at home.