Food For Thought—Is Your Elderly Loved One Eating Properly?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that elders are at increased risk for malnutrition. Health problems, sensory deficits, and declining memory can all contribute to the problem. Also, ideal weight, body mass index (BMI), and caloric requirements change as we age, and the optimal ranges for these figures are not well defined for the elderly.

If you are concerned about the nutritional well-being of an elder family member or friend who’s living independently, enlisting the assistance of a home care aide such as 5 Star Home Care  can help to establish some baseline habits for healthier eating. 

Making Healthy Food Choices

The foods we buy, prepare, and eat determine our nutritional profile. And while some body functions naturally decline with age, proper diet can help us stay more fit, mentally agile, and resistant to disease as we age. A home care aide can help your elder loved one make informed food shopping choices that promote a healthy, balanced diet. Foods that offer little more than empty calories (such as chips, sweets, and sodas) can be reduced or eliminated, in favor of healthier choices such as leafy greens and lean meats.  

Integrating Home Care with Overall Care

A home care aide can do more than assist with food shopping and meal preparation. They can actively consult with family members, as well as members of your elder relative’s care team, to create a practical nutrition plan. If your loved one is living with a pre-existing condition, a home care aide can tailor food choices to better reflect each client’s needs. For example, an aide can help limit salt for a client with hypertension or can make food choices that boost dietary calcium for a client with osteoporosis. A collaborative care approach can also help ensure that all care providers are working toward a common goal.

Creating A Safe & Relaxing Environment

Stress has a lot to do with how we eat and process nutrients. Cortisol, often called “the stress hormone” is released by our bodies when we find ourselves in a stressful situation, and long-term stress can cause weight gain and other digestive problems. An aide can reduce stress for your loved one by providing a safe and comfortable home environment.

Freshness Checks & Daily Reminders

Accidental food poisoning is not uncommon among independent-living elders. Memory problems can prevent elders from checking “sell by” and “use by” dates, and perishables can be left to spoil. An home care aide can help structure your elder loved one’s care to ensure that pantry, refrigerated, and frozen foods are fresh and that expired items are discarded. They can also set daily reminders, such as marking medications that should be taken with food, or marking expiration dates clearly on refrigerated items.

Food Preparation

For many seniors living on their own, preparing a complete and nutritious meal can be troublesome and confusing. An important part of maintaining a nutritious diet is the way in which meals are prepared. A home care aide can help your elder loved one prepare healthy meals, ensuring that all dietary and nutritional needs are met. Also, an aide can provide something for which there is no substitute—the company of a caring, compassionate person

At 5 Star Home Care, we understand the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet. Our experienced care providers are accustomed to helping clients make informed food purchasing choices, monitor food freshness, and prepare healthy meals. Maintaining a safe and healthy home environment for your loved one is our first priority.  Contact us today, and discover how we can help.

5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like.