One of the challenges of taking care of a senior parent can be getting them to eat enough. Seniors have a high risk of becoming malnourished even if they are eating because they typically just don’t eat enough.
There are a lot of reasons why seniors lose their appetites. It’s normal to lose some appetite just as a normal part of aging. And seniors also can lose their desire to eat as a side effect of the medications they take. Some seniors don’t want to eat alone, so they just don’t eat. Or, they have poor grip strength and dexterity and find cooking challenging.
Elder care can help seniors eat more and eat healthy. An elder care provider can do the cooking if cooking is too difficult for your mom or dad. And an elder care provider can also pick up groceries and make sure that there is lots of healthy food in the house.
If your senior really doesn’t want to eat three traditional meals each day, an elder care provider can also encourage them to eat more by making healthy snacks for them like:
1. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is packed with protein, which helps maintain muscle mass as your mom or dad ages. It also has probiotics, which are good for digestion. Choose low-fat or plain yogurt to avoid extra sugar.
2. Applesauce
Unsweetened applesauce is easy to eat and rich in fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health and helps prevent constipation. Apples also provide vitamins like vitamin C, which supports the immune system. Baked apples are also a good snack for seniors, especially in the fall when apples are freshly picked and delicious.
3. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great source of fiber, which helps control blood sugar and supports heart health. It’s also soft and easy to eat. Add fruit or a small amount of honey for extra flavor. Oatmeal can be cooked in a slow cooker so it’s extremely soft and easy to eat.
4. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are high in protein and healthy fats. They are easy to prepare in advance and provide important nutrients like vitamin D and B vitamins. Protein is important for keeping seniors strong. Your mom or dad may need help removing the shells or cutting the egg into small pieces. Egg salad on large lettuce leaf is also a good low-carb snack for seniors with diabetes.
5. Cottage Cheese with Fruit
Cottage cheese is rich in protein and calcium, which is good for bone health. Adding fruit like berries or peaches gives extra vitamins and antioxidants, making this a nutritious and satisfying snack. A cup of cottage cheese has almost as much protein as a hamburger, and it’s much easier for seniors to digest.
6. Carrot Sticks with Hummus
Carrot sticks are high in fiber and vitamin A, which is good for vision. Hummus adds protein and healthy fats. This snack is crunchy, but soft enough to be easy on the teeth.
7. Almonds
Almonds are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They are also rich in vitamin E, which is good for the skin. However, seniors with dental issues should eat slivered or sliced almonds to make them easier to chew.
8. Bananas
Bananas are easy to digest and full of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. They are also naturally sweet, making them a healthy snack for seniors with a sweet tooth. Their soft texture is perfect for easy eating. Mashed bananas can be frozen if your mom or dad prefers a cold treat. It freezes with a soft consistency like ice cream.
9. Avocado on Whole Wheat Toast
Avocado is rich in healthy fats and fiber. It also provides potassium and vitamins that support heart health. Spread it on whole wheat toast to add more fiber and make this snack more filling.
10. Mixed Berries
Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage. They are also low in calories and rich in vitamins like vitamin C. Mixed berries are easy to eat and great for boosting immune health.
If you are considering elder care in Memorial, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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