The Importance of Eating a Nutritious Diet for Seniors

Good nutrition is important for optimal health, whether you are a child or an adult. However, for those with chronic disease and/or those who are elderly, it's even more essential to maintain a balanced diet that is full of the nutrients the body requires.

Why the Elderly are Different

At advanced years of age, health is often more fragile. In these situations, good physical health is the most important criteria for longevity. Another aspect of old age is that depression or loneliness can set in. These emotions can make it harder for the elderly person to take care of him or herself by eating well. Elderly caregivers in Potomac MD and everyone those that care for seniors must make sure that the senior that they are caring continue to eat well as they age. 

   

An elderly person may forget to eat the right foods necessary to stay healthy. For example, if a senior citizen has high blood pressure, he or she needs to remember to reduce or eliminate salt from the diet. If an elderly person has diabetes, then that person needs to keep track of the types and amounts of sugars and starches that are consumed on a daily basis. Without a proper diet, an elderly individual may make a chronic condition worse or may even develop other medical problems.

How Always Best Care Helps

Caregivers working at Always Better Care in Potomac and around the nation understand the nutritional requirements of the patients they serve. They can help the elderly person or that person’s family find and implement the best diet plan for his or her health needs. These professional non-medical home care workers are trained to work with patients, so their nutritional needs are met. Services offered include meal planning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation. Companionship during meal times is also possible and often helps the elderly patient to feel less isolated.

If seniorcare in Potomac is important to you, please contact our office for more information about our services. We employ a staff of experienced and compassionate senior citizen caregivers who understand the necessity of a good diet and help to implement and maintain it for the overall health of the seniors we serve.

Healthy, Helpful Recipes for Seniors in Potomac, MD

There may be many reasons that seniors don't always eat well. Sometimes, medications affect their taste buds. Other times, they just aren't interested in cooking for themselves. No matter what the excuse, the fact is that older adults need to eat in a healthy manner to stay healthy. They have varying nutritional requirements and may have to adjust their menus accordingly. Older adults need fewer calories, but more protein as well as additional calcium, vitamin B and other important vitamins and nutrients. At Always Best Care of Potomac, MD we care for the seniors in our community, whether they utilize our non-medical home care services or not. As such, we have provided a few easy, yet healthy recipes for seniors to consider making at home. 

Breakfast

Banana Split Oatmeal

This dish is easy to prepare and delicious to eat. It takes a third of a cup of oatmeal, a splash of salt, three-fourths cup of water, half a sliced banana and half a cup of frozen yogurt.

You just mix the oatmeal and salt and then stir in the water. Microwave the mixture for one minute and stir it before warming it another minute. Then, put the bananas and yogurt on top and serve.

Lunch

Chinese Chicken Cabbage Salad

Many seniors enjoy a lighter lunch, such as a salad. You will need one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, one tablespoon of rice vinegar, and four cups of cabbage that has been sliced thin. You will also need one teaspoon of soy sauce and one tablespoon of minced ginger. Add one medium clove of garlic and two tablespoons of chopped cilantro as well as 4 ounces of cooked chicken breast shredded up and you have a delicious outcome and a high-protein meal. All you have to do is mix the ingredients together, toss and serve for a delicious, nutritious, light lunch.

Supper

Easy Crock Pot Meal

Cooking in the crock-pot is easy for anyone. To make something that smells good all day long and hits the spot at supper time, grab a pound and a half bag of frozen chicken tenders without breading or skin. Add one can of low sodium 16-ounce chicken broth and 10 or so scrubbed up baby red potatoes. Chop up some carrots and celery and one small onion as well as a package of chicken and potatoes seasoning and you'll be set for dinner after it simmers all day.

If you or a loved one are having trouble preparing meals, or find it difficult to get through the day without assistance from friends and family, a senior caregiver in Potomac, MD from Always Best Care can help. Every senior’s situation and needs are different, so give us a call today to schedule a free care consolation to see how we can best assist you or your senior loved one.