A healthy diet helps to keep the body strong and fit. As people grow older, there are many changes that they undergo. Their bodies become weak, and their state of mind may be affected. They also become vulnerable to different types of diseases. One way of ensuring that your senior loved one stays physically and mentally fit is by providing them with a healthy diet. Healthy eating can help an elderly person regain lost energy and remain mentally stable.
Why do the elderly need a healthy diet?
Before we look at the components of healthy eating, it would be good to look at what a senior gains by following a healthy diet. Here are some of the benefits:
Improves the immune system
Most elderly in need of Brentwood caregiver services tend to be taken down by many different diseases. As we grow older, the body’s immune system becomes weaker, making us vulnerable to many diseases. A healthy diet improves the body’s ability to fight off diseases, making us healthy. Sometimes, the decision to reach out for professional care may come from ongoing health challenges, so it’s important to understand when it’s time to get assistance and ensure timely support.
Stronger body
A healthy diet contains different nutrients which nourish different parts of the body. The bones of an elderly are weak, and this can affect the functioning of their body. The same applies to the teeth. They tend to be weaker as one grows old. Some vitamins and minerals play a significant role in strengthening bones and teeth.
Better mental health
The mental health of an elderly is likely to be affected as one grows older. Most seniors are faced with the problem of making proper judgments, and one cause of this problem is poor mental health. Instead of going to the pharmacy to buy drugs, you can just use home-made foods. Some types of food act as brain boosters. They improve the performance of the brain and sharpen the mind of the individual.
Happier and longer living
No single person wants to die, or at least not prematurely. Do you know that one secret of long living is eating a healthy diet? A disease-free person can live longer. The moods of the elderly can be influenced by the type of foods that they eat. A healthy meal will improve their mood and make them feel happy about life. A less nutritious meal can dampen their mood.
What does a healthy diet consist of?
The diet of a senior is quite similar to that of any other person. The only difference is that this diet should be tailored to meet the needs of an old person. Also, the mode of food preparation is different from what the younger generation can take. In choosing a healthy diet plan for your senior loved one, you should consider vital facts such as allergic reactions and genetic factors.
A healthy diet plan should include the following:
Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables in their natural forms are rich in vital nutrients, such as vitamins. It is always recommended to use colorful fruits like berries, ripe bananas and melons, and leafy vegetables.
Calcium: Calcium is mostly found in dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. The nutrient helps with strengthening bones and teeth.
Proteins: Lean proteins can assist in the replacement of dead cells and tissues. The source of lean proteins includes dairy products and legumes.
Omega 3: The role of Omega 3 is to improve the performance of the brain, something that the elderly much need.
Without proper help, a senior will easily ignore a proper diet. But if you find a good Brentwood home caregiver, you will have found the right person, one that can truly help seniors to stick to a healthy eating program. This can help them not only maintain good health but also preserve their independence and age with grace. The caregivers have been well trained to provide the best services to their clients.
When day-to-day tasks become daunting ordeals for your elderly loved one, it is paramount that you ensure their safety. Consider the risk of having them live alone and find ways to keep them safe, especially when they have health problems. One of the best ways to ensure they are totally safe yet free to continue their way of life is to hire in-home care services in Hollywood.
But how do you know it is the appropriate time to seek professional help for your senior? Here are some signs:
Loneliness
With a busy work schedule, you might find it difficult to make time to spend with your elderly loved ones and cater to their every need. Let’s not forget that you too have a family of your own that needs your attention. Even though it is unintentional, seniors may feel neglected at some point.
If you notice that they are seeking your attention, chances are they are feeling lonely. And, apart from squeezing in some little time, it may be a good idea to hire a caregiver for them. The caregiver will offer round-the-clock companionship which is critical to the elderly. They can also be good outdoor walk partners and friendly board game opponents. Professionals will always treat your elderly loved one as a member of their family, and they’ll never feel lonely.
Lack of mobility
If you notice that your aging family member has it rough moving from one place to another and requires constant assistance, then it might be a good time to seek the services of in-home care. A caregiver will be able to help them move around and accomplish their daily activities such as doctor appointments, strolls at the park, going to the grocery store, and even having a bath. The elderly in this situation may even need round-the-clock services and companionship.
Poor memory
Memory loss and other dementia symptoms can be hazardous when a senior is living alone. If you notice these signs, it is important that you hire in-home senior care services as soon as possible. They will remind your loved one to take their prescribed drugs and other important things on their schedule. With a professional taking care of your elderly relative, you will have the peace of mind to do other things and not worry about their safety.
Medication is not taken correctly
Whether it is unintentional forgetfulness or just being stubborn, missing prescribed medication is a health hazard to your elderly loved one. You can help them by creating a medication schedule for them to follow. Or, hire an in-home caregiver who will not only ensure medications are taken on time, but will also give general personalized care to your loved one.
Inability to prepare food properly
Sometimes there comes a point in an older adult’s life when they lose the desire and ability to cook healthy meals for themselves. This may lead them to eat unhealthy foods which are dangerous at their age. If you notice such behavior, then it is best to seek in-home senior care services in Hollywood. The caregivers will ensure that your senior has a proper diet.
Declined personal grooming
It is not unusual for the elderly individual to overlook basic grooming habits like wearing clean clothes and bathing. It is best to hire a professional to assist your senior by setting up a convenient personal grooming schedule and laundry assistance.
Huge arrears in utility bills
If you notice that your elderly loved one is constantly failing to pay bills on time, then it is best that they should not live alone. Unpaid bills may lead to disconnection of amenities such as gas, water, and electricity. Do not let a loved one live in such misery, help them pay their bills and hire them a professional to assist them in their daily activities.
Desired independence
Independence and freedom are crucial for any human being. We are created to be mobile. Therefore, being restricted to a certain area can be detrimental to us both mentally and psychologically. This is why we should always respect our seniors’ decision to age and die in their homes and not a nursing center.
If you notice that your aged loved one cherishes their independence but would need help from time to time, then it is appropriate that you hire an in-home caregiver in Hollywood City for them.
It is not easy to witness the deterioration of the physical and/or cognitive abilities of our aging parent, or another loved one. This applies in particular when you remember the days when they took care of you. The task of providing senior care for your aging relative can be overwhelming both financially and emotionally.
Many people regard independence as one of the things that are crucial for them. From when a child learns how to tie their shoelaces, to the day a teenager passes their driving test, there is a sense of pride that comes with the autonomy.
Likewise, an aging parent, even one in need of senior care, will cling to their independence for the longest time possible. With 80% of seniors requesting in-home care during their golden days, some gentle persuasion and creativity may be needed to extend the independence of your senior parent at their Sherman Oaks home.
Write lists
Regardless of the age, lists can be a valuable resource to help us remember stuff around the house. They can be especially important for seniors who have failing memory. If you often notice a pattern of incomplete or overlooked tasks, write your senior relative a list of objectives to help them keep their house in proper order. The list can include some things that were important to them like watering plants or even recording a TV program.
The list can also include due appointments and locations of some items in the house. Ask them to complete each task on the list before the next visit and show them how to mark out complete tasks. While the list will act as a reminder, it can also help you in keeping track of your senior relative’s abilities.
Supply the needed equipment
There are many household aids out there to help your senior parent become more independent in their house. Learn what they consider to be their limitations, research the available options and find the best solution to help them get around those restrictions.
Some useful daily living aids that can assist them to take care of their home include grabbers, door knob grips, remote controls, faucet turning aids, and phones and clocks with large numbers for better visibility.
Check in regularly
Whether or not you have hired an in-home care professional to cater for your parent’s care needs, checking in regularly can help a lot. You should try to visit as often as you can to monitor how the caregiver is taking care of your relative and to make the relative feel less isolated.
If you space the visits too far, you may not be aware of their current condition. This can create room for more complications, especially if your relative does not have an in-home care provider.
Consider hired help
As a matter of fact, this may be the best option for your senior parent, particularly if you don’t live together with them. If mom is struggling with light housework and your schedule does not allow you to help her and offer companionship, hiring an in-home care provider may be your best option.
A housekeeper or other senior care provider can help ease the pressure and help your elderly mom retain her independence. A Better Way In Home Care can link you with an in-home care provider to help your aging parent regardless of where they live in Sherman Oaks.
Address their emotional needs
Although dad may still want to demonstrate his ability to manage his life, there is a sincere need for companionship. According to research conducted by the University of California, loneliness increases the chances of death by 45% among senior citizens.
In-home care can be a major source of emotional contact since they will spend time with them, share stories and encouraging words which will consequently boost their morale. In addition, they can help them focus on maintaining a nutritious diet, which is essential for your loved one’s well-being.
You should also remember that senior adults have also been accustomed to living productive lives and their day should involve engaging activities and hobbies. This is one of the essential roles of caregivers. You can also arrange with your care provider to find a local community center in Sherman Oaks where they can take your parent for senior aerobic classes, take them to daycare once in a while for some engaging activities.
Your decision to seek other senior care options should not be fueled by fear. There are still more ways that you can make life easier for mom or dad and yourself while they enjoy more independence.
