Millions of Americans don’t eat like they should, including those aged 65+. Although proper nutrition is important at any age, proper senior nutrition can be even more important. In fact, malnourished seniors are more likely to experience falls, anemia, illnesses and hospitalizations. For those still living at home, malnutrition can place their freedom and independence at risk. If you’re currently looking after an aging in place loved one who’s “nutritionally challenged” here are some ways to ensure that they get the nutrients their body so desperately needs.

Why Many Seniors Don’t Eat Right 

For many seniors ordering fast food or opening a bag of chips is much easier than preparing a nutritious meal- especially when they live alone.

Here are some other factors that cause malnutrition in the elderly:

  • Trouble eating because of arthritis or other physical problems
  • Diminished sense of taste or smell
  • Chewing or swallowing difficulties
  • Issues that interfere with food shopping or meal preparation
  • Limited income
  • Side effects from medications
  • Alcoholism
  • Loneliness and depression
  • Cognitive impairment caused by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease

To make matters even worse, healthcare appointments and check-ups typically lack any nutritional counseling. Unfortunately, malnourishment can lower a senior’s quality of life and ultimately placing their health and wellbeing at risk.

How Malnutrition Affects the Elderly  

According to the Mayo Clinic, malnourished seniors often times experience these health problems:

  • Poor wound healing
  • Weakened immune system that makes infections more likely
  • Muscle weakness and bone mass loss which lead to falls and fractures
  • Higher risk for hospitalizations
  • Increased risk for dying

Sadly, because of malnourishment many older adults every year end up in the hospital or nursing home- and some lose their independence permanently as a result.

Keeping Your Loved One Well Nourished 

As a caregiver there are several strategies for ensuring your loved one gets the essential daily nutrients they need:

Meet with a dietary specialist

Speak to a registered dietician or nutritionist about your loved one’s health condition, along with anything that might be interfering with their appetite. A dietary specialist can help you plan a more nutrient-rich diet and provide creative ideas for getting your senior to eat more. There are also multiple online sources that offer ideas for proper senior nutrition.

In general, when planning a healthy diet for your loved one use these guidelines:

  • Stick to healthy fats found in nuts, seeds, avocados, fatty fish and olive oil while avoiding saturated fats and trans fats.
  • Choose whole grains that are rich in fiber and nutrients like brown rice, whole grain breads and cereals rather than white bread and refined grains.
  • Focus on foods high in protein including beans, eggs, chicken, fish, lean meats and nuts.
  • Add Vitamin B12-fortified cereals.
  • Calcium is important for bone health, so include calcium-rich foods such as low-fat dairy products.

Take them grocery shopping

Volunteer to tag along the next time your loved one goes grocery shopping. While there, respectfully show them how to read the nutritional labels found on the packaging. Use the opportunity to discuss the importance of avoiding foods high in sugar and saturated fats like donuts, cookies and chips.

Provide meal assistance

Another way to monitor what your senior is eating is by helping them prepare food, or by dropping off nutritious dishes and snacks. If your loved one complains that the food is too bland, spice it up with some healthy seasonings. When chewing or swallowing is a challenge try serving nutritious broths, softer foods and smoothies.

There are also many types of nutritional shakes and drinks for seniors. If you don’t have time to prepare meals consider hiring them a meal delivery service that caters to the elderly or a “personal assistant” from a licensed home care agency.

Reliable In-Home Meal Assistance for Alabama Seniors

Keeping your senior well-nourished can be challenging when you’re busy or live far away. When you need a hand contact Seniors Prefer Homecare. As a fully licensed home care agency our well-trained caregivers can provide the food shopping, meal preparation and cleanup assistance your loved one needs in-order-to maintain their quality of life, independence and dignity.

While serving as an extended family in the home, our carefully screened aides can also deliver “cream of the crop” services like companionship care, respite care, personal care and even 24-hour care. To schedule a FREE initial assessment now with a Seniors Prefer Homecare case manager for a loved one in Huntsville or Tuscaloosa, AL, please visit us at: www.seniorspreferhomecare.com.