It can be challenging to ensure that seniors who age in place get the right nutrients, not to mention eat foods that supply them with the energy they need to get through the day. This could be due to many factors, including limited mobility and fluctuating appetites due to medications or lack of interest. The good news is that help is available. With elder care in the home, seniors can enjoy healthy meals, as well as get assistance with many of their daily tasks.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Seniors
While the body needs fewer calories with age, there is an increased need for certain nutrients. For instance, to keep their bones healthy, seniors need enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D. To keep their digestive system healthy, they need fiber.
However, many seniors struggle with appetite, have trouble chewing or swallowing, or just don’t want to cook for only one person so find themselves skipping meals or relying on less healthy options. Elder care understands these issues and works with the senior to tailor meal plans and food options to their specific needs.
Making Energy-Filled Meals
The first thing that professional caregivers can do is encourage seniors to develop regular eating habits that keep their energy levels consistent all day. This might include suggesting smaller, more frequent meals and healthy snacks throughout the day instead of three big meals that may simply be too much for them to handle. This method also ensures that seniors get the nutrition they need without feeling too full or uncomfortable.
Elder care providers also collaborate with families and doctors to ensure meal plans take into account the senior’s dietary needs, preferences, and health issues. This includes offering diabetic-friendly options, heart-healthy meals, and foods that are easier to swallow. Most importantly, they work with seniors to ensure meals include easy-to-make and tasty options so they will want to follow the plan.
Making Meals Fun and Social
Another benefit of having elder care in the home has nothing to do with the actual food. Many seniors lose their desire to prepare meals because they would rather not eat alone. Having a caregiver around turns meals into a social event, which helps ensure seniors get the nutrients they need. Plus, the conversation during the meal helps to stimulate the mind and creates a connection between the senior and caregiver that improves their overall well-being.
Help That Matters
Caregivers also help seniors by making sure the cupboard is always full of healthy foods that meet dietary needs in addition to taking into account cultural and personal interests. At the same time, caregivers can either complete food preparation for seniors who may struggle with this task or teach them tips for making the process easier.
Hydration is another important factor. Seniors may struggle with this issue due to medications decreasing their desire to drink or simply not remembering to drink throughout the day. With elder care by their side, they get gentle reminders to drink as well as recommendations if they struggle with plain water, such as water-based fruits, soups, or herbal teas.
Elder care offers the services needed to help bring peace of mind to seniors and their families, including assistance with daily tasks and the assurance that healthy foods are available. Not only that but they can help seniors plan meals that give them energy all day long and meet certain dietary restrictions, which is key to their overall health and well-being.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Elder Care in Lake Oswego, OR, please contact the caring staff at Integrity In-Home Care. Call today at (503) 660-3755.
Sources:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-eating-nutrition-and-diet/healthy-meal-planning-tips-older-adults
https://www.myplate.gov/life-stages/older-adults
https://www.helpguide.org/aging/healthy-aging/eating-well-as-you-age
How Meal Planning Nourishes Seniors’ Well-Being?