Senior Nutrition Archives

Caregivers in Park Ridge IL: Signs that Your Senior Might be Suffering from Inadequate Nutrition

As a family caregiver you know how important it is for your elderly loved one to get all of the nutrition that they need on a regular basis. What they eat makes a tremendous difference in their health and well-being, their ability to function normally, and their quality of life throughout their later years. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for seniors to not get enough to eat or to not eat the right foods and deprive their bodies of the nutrients that they need. It is important that you recognize the signs of this inadequate nutrition as quickly as possible so that you can make meaningful modifications to their care routine to help them eat more, eat better, and give their body what it needs.

Some signs that your aging parent might be suffering from inadequate nutrition include:

• Your loved one complains more frequently of being tired, weak, or fatigued, which might indicate that they are not getting enough calories or that they are deficient in certain nutrients, such as iron.

• Noticing that your aging parent is losing their hair or that their hair appears thin, brittle, dry, or not as healthy as it did. This indicates that they are not getting the vitamins, protein, or healthy fats that they need.

• Seeing changes in their fingernails or toenails, such as brittleness, discoloration, or a spoon shape. This can indicate that they are not getting the nutrients that they need.

• Complaints of splitting in the corners of their mouth or swelling of their tongue, which can indicate that your parent is not getting the iron or B vitamins that they need.

• Noting that your elderly loved one has been suffering from diarrhea more frequently, which could be a cause of malabsorption or a symptom of it.

• Noting that your elderly loved one has been suffering from constipation more frequently, which could be a sign that they are not getting the fiber or healthy fats that they need.

• If your senior has changes in their personality or mood, such as increased irritability, it could be a sign that they are not getting everything that they need and are feeling the effects of fatigue, weakness, and disorientation

If your aging parent’s challenges have increased, your schedule has become busier, or your personal limitations and challenges have come to the point that you no longer feel as though you can fulfill your loved one’s needs in the way that they deserve, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting care for them. A home care provider can step in to fill any care gaps that might exist in your care routine with your loved one, ensuring that they get what they need to remain safe, healthy, happy, and comfortable as they age in place. Not only will this help your elderly parent maintain a higher quality of life and a more fulfilling lifestyle throughout your later years, but it can also give you greater peace of mind knowing that they are getting the care, assistance, support, and encouragement that they need. If you are facing challenges related to handling potentially sensitive or emotionally vulnerable tasks for your senior, a care provider can also be a neutral, respectful party to handle these tasks so that they are met effectively while maintaining your parent’s dignity and comfort.

Source
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/nutrition-aging-7-signs-inadequate-nutrition

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Park Ridge, IL, please call the caring staff at A-Abiding Care today. Serving North and Northwest Chicago and the surrounding area for over 30 years. Call 847-698-1400.

Home Care in Des Plaines IL: How to Ensure That Your Aging Parent Gets Proper Nutrition

Eating right is important at any stage of life. You can’t expect to have a healthy body if you don’t fuel it properly!
Good nutrition is especially important for seniors, because their bodies need more help to stay healthy and invigorated. Here are a few ways you can ensure that your aging loved one is getting all the nutrients they need, so that they can live a longer, happier, healthier life.

Eat Lean Proteins – Protein helps to create stronger muscles and tissues, and can also help to strengthen your immune system. Lean meats like pork, beef, or chicken (all with as little fat as possible) and seafood such as fish and shrimp should be included daily in your aging parent’s diet. Eggs and beans also include high amounts of lean proteins, so you can switch things up by using them as well!
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables – Obviously fruits and vegetables are a healthy choice, and should make up a large portion of every senior’s diet. When it comes to fruits, the more colorful the better: look for oranges, grapes, and plums, and red apples, all of which should be as deeply colored as possible to maximize the nutrients in the skin. When it comes to vegetables, go green or go home: choose things like kale, peas, and broccoli to help round out your plate, as well as carrots for even more vitamins and minerals.
Change Your Grains – Whole grains are much healthier than their white bread counterparts, and they can help to make the eater feel fuller and more satisfied for longer. They can also help to ease ailments like constipation and bloating, which is a big selling point in and of itself. Try to swap in things like whole wheat bread, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta in place of the regular bread, rice, and pasta you usually use.
Stay Hydrated – An important part of nutrition is hydration. A body can’t be expected to work well if it is dried out! Make sure that your parent drinks the recommended amount of fluids every day. This doesn’t have to just be water, it can be fruit juice, tea, or other healthy alternatives as well.
Consider Home Care – If keeping track of your aging parent’s nutrition along with all of the other aspects of his or her daily caregiving gets to be too much, consider hiring a home care aide. Each agency has different lists for what their nurses or aides can do in your home, but many of them can plan and cook healthy meals for the senior, as well as make sure to remind them to take any vitamins and medicines they may need.

Few things are more important than good nutrition, so if you are worried that your parent isn’t eating well enough, try implementing some of these tips. You will soon see a difference in their health and mood, and you will be amazed by how much better they will feel after just a week or two of healthier eating. You might even want to try it for yourself!

Source:

Healthy Eating Tips for Seniors

If you or an aging loved-on are considering home care in Des Plaines, IL, please call the caring staff at A-Abiding Care today. Serving North and Northwest Chicago and the surrounding area for over 30 years. Call 847-698-1400.