If your mom or dad is living independently, it can be difficult to make sure they’re eating enough. Seniors who live independently have a high risk of malnutrition. Some studies show that more than 50% of seniors living alone are malnourished.
There are many reasons why your mom or dad may have a poor appetite. As people get older, they eat less, so it’s possible your mom or dad just isn’t hungry as often as they used to be. But medications, medical conditions, and even conditions like grief or depression can cause seniors to not eat as much as they should.
It also may be the case that your mom or dad doesn’t want to eat meals because they are lonely, and eating alone is a reminder that they are alone. If you can’t be there daily to share meals with your mom or dad you should get them in-home care.
In-home care for seniors provides a range of support for seniors who are living alone. A care provider can cook and share meals with your senior parent.
An in-home care provider can also do the shopping and errands for your mom or dad, remind them to take their medication on time, and do light housework. An in-home care provider can suggest meal alternatives like these so that your mom or dad will get the calories they need without having to eat three large meals every day:
Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to provide a full serving of nutrients for your mom or dad in a form that’s easy for them to eat and easy to digest. You can blend fruits like bananas, berries, or mangoes with yogurt or milk for calcium and protein. You can also add spinach, protein powder, or nut butter for extra nutrients. Smoothies are especially useful if your parent has difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Finger Foods
For seniors who find large meals overwhelming, small, easy-to-eat finger foods can be a more appealing option. Examples include slices of soft cheese, boiled eggs, cut-up fruit, or crackers with peanut butter. Veggie sticks with hummus or guacamole are another nutritious choice.
These small portions can feel less intimidating than a full plate of food. An in-home care provider that is with your mom or dad all day can offer small plates or trays of finger foods to them throughout the day to encourage them to eat.
Soups and Broths
Soups and broths are comforting, nutritious, and easy to eat. They can also be packed with vitamins and minerals, depending on the ingredients you use. Creamy soups like tomato, butternut squash, or potato are great for seniors with chewing issues, while hearty broths with soft-cooked vegetables and shredded chicken provide protein and fiber. Soup also will help prevent dehydration.
Small, Frequent Snacks
If your parent doesn’t have an appetite for regular meals, offering small snacks throughout the day can be a helpful alternative. This grazing approach prevents overwhelming them with large portions while still providing essential nutrients.
Snacks like yogurt with fruit, oatmeal, pudding, or even a slice of avocado toast can be appealing and satisfying. You can also experiment with nutrient-dense options like trail mix or granola bars, which provide energy in small bites.
Meal Replacement Drinks or Protein Shakes
Meal replacement drinks or protein shakes can be lifesavers when your parent refuses traditional meals. These drinks are designed to provide a balanced mix of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Brands like Ensure or Boost are specifically formulated for seniors, offering options tailored to their nutritional needs. Keep a few flavors on hand to give them variety. These drinks are easy to consume and can serve as a complete meal when necessary.
If you or an aging loved one is considering In-Home Care in Webb City, MO, please contact the caring staff at Adelmo Family Care today at (417) 206-4576
Adelmo Family Care provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors, disabled adults, and their families in Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, Duquesne, Neosho, Carl Junction, Lamar, Newton County, MO, Jasper County, MO, Pittsburg, KS, Riverton, KS, Crawford County, KS, Cherokee County, KS, and surrounding areas.
To provide the safest and most qualified caregivers, John felt it was important to properly screen and train caregivers before they were invited into the homes of the families being care for.No caregiver is introduced to a client before being taught the Adelmo Standard.
Adelmo is German for Noble Protector, a name that projects what Adelmo Family Care strives to be. It is our goal to protect our elderly from having to move somewhere they do not want to go, while remaining safe, secure and independent.
Care is our Product and Independence is our Goal.We are there for you when you need to have some help to continue to live independently, at your direction, in your home. We will work with you to get you as fit as possible so you may become completely independent once again, if at all possible.
We provide compassionate care, a watchful eye and a helping hand to our clients and their families.
We can't wait to meet you!
Adelmo Family Care is a member of the Home Care Association of America, The Senior’s Choice, The Webb City Chamber of Commerce, The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and several local senior committees.
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