How Does Nutrition Affect Outcomes for Seniors?
Senior Home Care in Highland Park NJ
Good nutrition is a massive piece of the health and well-being puzzle for everyone, but seniors may need to be even more aware of nutrition. Eating a balanced diet that is full of nutrients helps seniors to feel better, keeps them healthier, and ensures that they recover better from illnesses and injuries. If seniors have chronic health issues, nutrition is even more important. Senior home care providers can tackle many of the hurdles that make nutrition more difficult for aging adults.
Nutrition in Health and Recovery
Foods that are rich in nutrients, especially in antioxidants, help to boost the immune system. For seniors, that means that they can do more to keep their immune systems functioning well if they’re eating healthy meals. If they become injured or have surgery, the right nutrients support tissue repair, give them the energy they need while recovering, and avoid nutritional deficiencies.
Planning Meals Meets Needs
Nutrition is easier to manage when seniors plan their meals. Random eating habits are more likely to rely on easy food choices, which are more likely to consist of processed foods that might not contain the nutrition seniors need. Home care providers can work with family caregivers and seniors to plan meals that taste good, accommodate nutritional needs, and are easy to access.
Nutrition and Chronic Conditions
Diet adjustments can help seniors with diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis feel better. Heart-healthy changes might include reducing saturated fats while eating more omega-3 fatty acids. Adding more fiber can also help to reduce cardiovascular issues. Seniors with diabetes often benefit from eating foods on the lower end of the glycemic index. Seniors with osteoporosis benefit from eating foods higher in calcium and vitamin D. Senior home care providers work with family caregivers and seniors to understand preferences and needs, then they can help suggest meal plans that are likely to work well.
Adding a Social Element to Meals
Another consideration is that so many aging adults live alone and therefore eat alone. This is a much bigger problem than many people realize and can trigger poor eating habits. Senior home care providers aren’t just there to help with hands-on tasks. They also offer companionship and genuinely enjoy spending time with aging adults. During meals, they can sit with seniors and keep them company while they eat. This also allows them to pay more attention to what seniors are eating and drinking, which is helpful when seniors need to stay properly nourished and hydrated.
Nutrition is more than just eating the right things. For seniors, proper nutrition is an essential way to help them stay healthy and happy, even when they’re facing other health challenges. Senior home care providers can help with a variety of challenges seniors might encounter with nutrition. They can help them to plan meals, remember when to eat, and keep seniors company while they eat. If seniors are facing other challenges related to staying properly nourished, professional caregivers can help family members stay aware of what’s going on.
If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Highland Park, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care today. Call (732) 607-8870.
The Care Street mission is straightforward and compelling: to provide a comprehensive range of the highest quality home health services in a professional and efficient manner that will enhance our clients' quality of life and empower families to keep their loved one at home.
Care Street has earned a reputation of excellence among hundreds of families, and is recommended by medical professionals and hospital discharge planners throughout the State.
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