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.

The post Food For Thought—Is Your Elderly Loved One Eating Properly? appeared first on 5 Star Home Care.

When would it make sense to engage a home care agency? Here are the top five reasons:

1. I want my parent to be able to stay in their home safely.
As Mom and Dad get older, they may gradually need your help more and more. Certain household chores like vacuuming or laundry might become too strenuous. Perhaps they can’t drive any longer so the basics like grocery shopping and doctor’s appointments fill your calendar as well. If you live at a distance, this compounds the problem. Since everyone ages differently, our services are based on the needs of the client, and flexible as things change. What may begin as general housekeeping and meal preparation may evolve into medication reminders and companionship.

2. I want my family member with a disability to have the best quality of life as possible.
Non-medical home care can help a person with a disability attain mobility and independence. This might include meal preparation, transportation, housekeeping, bathing or grooming to ensure a healthy, safe lifestyle. Depending on the needs of the individual, the caregiver might reinforce positive social connections and assist with hobbies and interests.

3. I need help to recover from an injury or hospitalization.
For those who are accustomed to good physical health and/or mobility, the limitations from an injury or hospitalization can be frustrating and affect all areas of life. A temporary caregiver can provide assistance with general household responsibilities as well as personal care during your recovery.

4. I need assistance while I adjust to being a new mom.
For those who live far from family and may not have a readily available support network, coming home with a newborn can be stressful, even more than it already is. Whether mom needs to be on bed rest, or just wants a hand with errands while she establishes a routine, we ensure just the right level of support by the right person.

5. I need periodic respite as the primary caregiver.
If you are the primary caregiver for an elderly or disabled relative, you understand the strain it can cause at times. Many baby boomers are sandwiched between caring for their parents and their children. A home care agency can provide welcome respite to support your care – in whatever way works for you.

A little help is just a click away. Contact 5 Star Home Care to get started.

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