As seniors get older it’s normal for them to eat less. Often seniors experience a decrease in appetite as they get older. Many things can impact a senior’s appetite like medications that they take, health conditions that they have, and outside factors like the weather. Home care services is one way to make eating easier for your senior mom or dad.
The problem is that seniors can easily and quickly become malnourished when their appetite drops. Seniors must get essential vitamins and minerals, protein, and healthy fat daily to stay well. If your senior parent has health conditions like diabetes or conditions caused by chronic inflammation their diet can play a big role in their health.
If the reason why they aren’t eating is because they find it difficult or exhausting to shop, or they are worried they can’t cook safely, having home care can solve those problems. A home care provider can go to the store for delicious healthy food, help your senior parent cook meals, and share meals with them so they aren’t lonely. Home care can help your senior parent with housework and other chores too.
Some additional things that you can do to make eating easier for your mom or dad are:
Adaptive Eating Utensils and Tableware
Provide utensils with larger handles, lightweight cups, and non-slip plates. These adaptations can help seniors with arthritis, tremors, or limited dexterity handle their utensils and enjoy meals without worrying about spilling food or dropping it.
Often seniors who don’t have great grip strength or who have tremors are worried about spilling food on themselves or the table. With senior-friendly tableware, they can eat with confidence.
Choose Nutrient-Dense, Easy-to-Chew Foods
Make sure that your mom or dad’s diet includes soft, nutrient-rich foods such as smoothies, stews, yogurt, and steamed vegetables. These foods are easier to chew and swallow, ensuring seniors get the nutrition they need without straining their jaws.
If your senior parent has dentures serving softer foods can make it easier for them to eat because often the dentures can make it difficult for seniors to bite and chew.
Stick To A Regular Meal Schedule
Establish a consistent meal routine with set times for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. A regular schedule helps maintain appetite and ensures that seniors receive consistent nutrition throughout the day.
Your senior parent will get used to eating at certain times of the day and they may notice that they start to become hungry at those times. That can be a good encouragement for them to eat more.
Keep Them Drinking
Offer a variety of appealing fluids like flavored water, herbal teas, and broths throughout the day. Proper hydration aids digestion, prevents dehydration, and can make the eating process smoother and more comfortable.
Bone broth is a fantastic nutrient-dense broth that is full of collagen, vitamins, minerals, and protein but it’s a clear broth that is easy to digest. Try and get your senior parent to take a cup of bone broth in the morning and afternoon as a snack.
Create A Social and Engaging Mealtime Atmosphere
Encourage family meals or social dining opportunities, whether in person or through virtual means. Social interaction can enhance appetite, make meals more enjoyable, and reduce feelings of isolation or depression.
If you can’t be there to eat with your senior parent, make sure a home care provider is. Use the good dishes. Decorate the dining room. Do whatever you can to make each meal an event and something that your senior parent will look forward to.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Collierville TN, please get in touch with the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (901) 300-8576
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Lakeland, Hernando, Olive Branch, Arlington, Atoka, Southaven, Bartlett, Marion, Shelby County, and surrounding areas.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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