Our aging loved ones are particularly prone to malnutrition, according to the World Health Organization. This is exacerbated by the fact that their dietary needs are not clearly outlined. It is crucial to remember that many of the diseases that affect our aging loved ones are brought on by nutritional problems that many have experienced since young. However, it is not too late to start teaching your loved ones about healthy dietary habits which can be started anytime. With the help of assisted living communities, here are some ways to encourage loved ones to eat healthily!
Choosing the Right Foods
According to studies, eating well in your later years lowers your risk of developing conditions including osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and several types of cancer. In an assisted living community, skilled team members can assist your loved one in selecting a variety of tasty and healthy foods. It is also necessary for them to avoid food and beverages with empty calories such as chips, cookies, or sodas. Less obvious choices of empty calories are eating too much yogurt or bread.
Helping to Make the Right Choices
Most assisted living communities have dietitians that can collaborate with the rest of your loved one’s care team and the doctor to develop a plan that will help them achieve their health objectives. This requires creating a nutritional strategy specifically for your loved one’s unique medical issues. For instance, if your loved ones have high cholesterol, a menu with less saturated and trans fats would be ideal. It is crucial to ensure that the diet is rich in essential nutrients.
Daily Reminders
Assisted living communities offer more than simply company and help with daily living activities like dressing and washing. Your loved ones can ensure that they will be receiving reminders for a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, it can be difficult for our aging loved ones, especially those who have dementia, to remember to eat regular, wholesome meals. As their cognitive function deteriorates, people may get so overwhelmed by the variety of foods available that they completely forget how to eat or even lose the ability to use utensils.
Comfortable Dining Environment
Making sure the eating area is secure and welcoming is another way that assisted living communities can support your loved one’s nutrition. This entails heating food and making sure it’s not too hot to consume, adding straws to drinks for convenience, presenting one or two foods at one go to prevent overeating, offering polite reminders to chew and swallow thoroughly, and allowing them plenty of time to eat.
Exceptional Senior Living at TerraBella Cramer Mountain
Do your loved ones require additional help with their daily living activities? TerraBella Cramer Mountain’s Assisted Living community is the best choice! We provide a variety of resort-style amenities and exclusive senior living programs that will meet their every need. Our dedicated and skilled team members are ready to help your loved ones with anything they need. For more information, contact us today!
