Improving Health and Wellbeing for Seniors, One Meal at a Time
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but many older adults struggle to meet not just this recommendation, but with healthy eating in general. In fact, as many as one in four seniors is malnourished, for reasons that include:
- Lack of transportation to get to the grocery store for fresh, healthy foods
- Physical limitations that make preparing meals a challenge
- Medication side effects that alter appetite or how foods taste
- Loneliness and depression
- A lack of interest in cooking for just one
- Oral health complications, such as difficulty with chewing or swallowing food
- And more
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to ensure the seniors in your life are enjoying a healthy, balanced diet. A caregiver from Northwest Guided Home Care can make a world of difference by:
- Planning and preparing nutritious, appetizing meals, according to any prescribed dietary plans or restrictions
- Serving as a friendly companion to make mealtimes more enjoyable
- Providing transportation and accompaniment to the grocery store – or, taking care of grocery shopping for seniors
- Cleaning up the kitchen after meals
- Noting any changes in condition or issues such as medication side effects so they can be brought to the attention of the doctor
- And much more
Our fully screened, trained, and experienced professionals care deeply about the seniors we serve. Nothing makes us happier than helping older adults to thrive and enjoy life to the fullest. Our meal preparation services help seniors meet crucial nutritional requirements that foster better overall health and wellbeing.
Some of the creative ways our skilled caregivers encourage healthier eating habits include:
- Preparing nutritious snacks in advance so they’re as convenient as empty-calorie snacks; so rather than grabbing a pre-packaged cupcake when hungry, a senior can instead enjoy:
- Fresh fruit
- Sliced veggies
- Hummus and pita chips
- Grilled chicken or turkey
- Cottage cheese or yogurt
- Homemade soup
- And more, according to each person’s particular taste and interest
- Focusing on nutrient-rich foods such as whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables
- Helping ensure hydration; keeping a fresh pitcher of ice water always on hand to sip on, perhaps adding sliced cucumbers or citrus fruits to make it more appealing if desired
- Cooking together with seniors, recreating favorite recipes from the past and trying new ones
- And more!
To learn more about how our meal preparation services or any of our other in-home care services can benefit a senior you love, call us any time at (800) 755-7102. We’ll be happy to visit with you at your convenience in the comfort of your home to tell you more about our elder care in Kent and the surrounding areas.