At times, aging people will experience difficulties in preparing meals of their own. Due to the hassle, they may end up consuming instant and processed foods which are often unhealthy.
Planning meals for your senior loved ones will help lead them away from such road. While Home Care in Orange Connecticut includes meal planning services, you can also do your part in helping them out. Here are 7 things you should take note of when planning your seniors’ meals.
- Consult the doctor about dietary needs.
The dietary needs of individuals change along with age. To know which nutrients your aging parents really need at their age, make sure to consult with their doctor. This medical professional understands your parents’ conditions and can provide you with various suggestions on what to prepare for their meals. You can also talk to a dietician about this matter.
- Don’t forget to take note of dietary restrictions.
Apart from dietary needs, check their dietary restrictions. There could be certain food groups that your parents should not consume to avoid making their health situations worse. For instance, kidney beans can worsen gout.
- Use natural herbs and spices.
Age can also alter the sense of taste. Aging individuals might lose their appetite. So, you need to improve the taste of their meals.
Instead of adding too much salt on their food, use natural herbs and spices. These are healthier alternatives than salt.
- Go for soft and moist foods.
Soft and moist foods are good for those who have troubles with chewing and swallowing. You or a provider of home care services in Orange Connecticut should prepare soup, shakes and other soft and moist foods from time to time.
- Give your parents healthy food choices.
As much as possible, let your parents choose what they want to eat. Give them the feeling of being in control by offering them healthy food choices.
- Let your parents help in the preparation.
Make sure to allow your parents to help in preparing their own meals. It will be a great bonding moment for you. It will also make them feel independent. A provider of companion care in Connecticut can assist them if you are not around.
- Eat together.
There are many senior people who won’t eat because they are alone. See to it that you will eat together with them if you live in the same house. If not, schedule a day where you, your aging parents and the entire family can bond over food.
Amity Home Care provides our aging clients with meal planning along with our other services. If you’d like to discuss your situation with us, please get in touch with us online.