March is National Nutrition Month, and since many seniors living alone struggle with malnutrition now is the perfect time to learn more about senior nutrition. Did you know that more than 16% of seniors living independently are thought to be malnourished? If your mom or dad is aging in place they may at be at risk of becoming malnourished.

Malnourishment happens to seniors living at home when they aren’t eating enough or start skipping meals. There are several reasons why your mom or dad may skip meals or not eat nutritious meals, but the most common reason why seniors stop making healthy meals is that it becomes too difficult.

Planning well-balanced meals, getting to the store, shopping for healthy foods including fresh produce and fruit, getting the groceries home, putting them away, and then cooking meals can be too much for seniors as they get older.

If your mom or dad has physical challenges like arthritis, a bad back, poor mobility, or poor dexterity in their hands they may not be able to physically cook healthy meals. That’s where home care can help.

If your mom or dad has home care, a home care provider can help them do everything from plan healthy meals to cleaning up the dishes after a meal. A home care provider can help your mom or dad with:

 Meal Planning for a Balanced Diet

One of the biggest challenges that your mom or dad probably has is deciding what to eat. A home care provider can help by creating a meal plan that includes healthy foods that your mom or dad likes.

They can suggest meals rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein while keeping in mind any dietary restrictions, like making sure meals low-sodium or gluten-free. Having a meal plan also prevents last-minute unhealthy choices, like fast food or processed snacks.

Grocery Shopping and Food Preparation

Going to the grocery store can be tiring, especially for seniors with mobility issues. A home care provider can either shop for groceries or go with your parent to help them pick out fresh, healthy foods.

At home, they can also check for expired items in the fridge and pantry. They can do all the meal prep work like washing and chopping vegetables, portioning out ingredients, and storing food properly to make cooking easier. A home care provider can also make sure that snacks and drinks are placed where your mom  or dad can easily reach them.

Cooking Healthy and Delicious Meals

Many seniors struggle with cooking because of physical limitations like arthritis or forgetfulness. A home care provider can cook meals while making sure they are both healthy and tasty.

If your parent enjoys cooking, the caregiver can assist with tasks like stirring, lifting heavy pots, or reading recipes, so your mom or dad can still take part in the process.

Making Meals Fun

Eating alone can be lonely, and some seniors may lose their appetite because of it. A home care provider can share meals and conversations with your mom or dad to make mealtimes fun and interesting.

Cleaning Up After Meals

Washing dishes, wiping counters, and putting food away can be tiring for seniors. A home care provider can handle these tasks to keep the kitchen clean and safe. This reduces the risk of accidents, like slipping on spilled liquids or handling sharp knives. A tidy kitchen also helps prevent foodborne illnesses by ensuring that food is stored and prepared in a sanitary environment.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in West Sacramento, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aging Assistant today at (916) 897-4752

James Ozsvath

Aging Assistant is a locally owned and operated in-home senior care provider, we are dedicated to helping our clients to remain in the home they love for as long as they can. Our caregiving staff are all warm and compassionate professionals, experienced in taking care of seniors in various stages of health. We handle a wide range of services, such as help with shopping, housekeeping, attending doctor’s appointments, and preparing meals. We also provide our clients with limited mobility or more intensive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia with the higher level of personal care that they require. Call our team now if you need help with a loved one's care.

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