There’s really nothing better than sitting down with family for a hearty, home-cooked meal. Yet for many older adults, particular health concerns can hinder the enjoyment of meals or even the ability to shop for nutritious foods, which in turn leads to malnutrition. Senior HomeCare of Tucson shares tips to overcome some of the most common nutrition problems for seniors, such as:
Chewing: When dental or swallowing issues lead to difficulty with the process of eating, try the following alternatives:
- Fruit juice or pureed fruit such as applesauce, canned pears and peaches
- Vegetable juice or mashed vegetables
- Eggs, ground meat, milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products
- Cooked cereals, bread pudding, rice, and soft cookies
Stomach upset: Acid reflux, excessive gas, and other GI problems can lead seniors to give up on eating foods they believe could cause a problem – which may mean they’re not fully meeting their dietary needs. Try replacing:
- Milk with cheese, cream soups, pudding, or yogurt
- Vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage with vegetable juices, carrots and potatoes
- Fresh fruit with fruit juice and soft, canned fruits
Ability to grocery shop: When older adults can no longer safely drive or are hindered by mobility problems, shopping for groceries is a challenge. Try:
- Home delivery of groceries
- Requesting help from a neighbor, family member or those at a local religious organization
- Partnering with a professional home care agency like Senior HomeCare of Tucson for grocery shopping and/or transportation assistance
Cooking difficulties: Preparing food can become difficult for a variety of reasons: dementia, arthritis, limited mobility, and many others. Try:
- Ready-to-eat meals prepared at the grocery store
- Prepackaged, microwavable meals
- Meal preparation assistance from Senior HomeCare of Tucson’s fully trained caregivers
Lack of appetite: Isolation and loneliness is a common motive behind a senior’s loss of appetite. It can be hard to prepare meals for one, and then eat them alone. Try:
- Setting up a rotation of family, friends and neighbors to share mealtime with the senior
- Check with the local senior center about congregate meals
- Check with the doctor to rule out any medication side effects that may contribute to loss of appetite
- Engage the services of Senior HomeCare of Tucson’s friendly companions to make mealtime more enjoyable
Maintaining good nutrition is vital for older adults. If an older adult you know is struggling to overcome common nutrition problems, we’re here to help! Contact the experts in at home care in Tucson and the nearby areas at 520-355-4787 to speak with one of our in-home care specialists about the challenges being faced, to learn about our full range of personalized senior care services, and to be matched with the perfect in home caregiver in Tucson or the surrounding area.