When you’re a caregiver, you understand how important it is to prepare nutritious food for your loved one. Because of this, you probably spend a lot of time looking for new meal ideas and nutrition tips for seniors – not only to save time, but also to keep mealtimes enjoyable and varied.
FirstLight Home Care wants to make your caregiving journey as easy as possible, so we’ve put together this handy guide on how to incorporate healthy ingredients into your care plan. Having a healthy and balanced diet is one of the best ways to maintain health, improve mood and provide enough energy to get through the day – both for your client and yourself!
Which Foods Are Best for the Elderly?
Good nutrition and aging well are closely linked. While older adults need fewer calories than a younger person, they still need the same amount of minerals and vitamins, so it’s important to choose nutrient-dense foods that aren’t over-processed or full of additives. Some of the best foods for the elderly include:
- High protein foods such as lean meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, dairy, chickpeas and tofu.
- Whole grains and cereals, which are high in fiber and carbohydrates, which help to regulate digestion, lower cholesterol and provide energy.
- Dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt, which contain calcium.
- Red meats and dark green vegetables like spinach and broccoli, which are high in iron and provide energy, as well as strengthen the immune system.
- Vegetables and fruit, canned or frozen, help internal functions like digestion and concentration.
- A small amount of healthy fats and oils, which provide energy and help the body absorb certain vitamins.
- Certain superfoods, which have been shown to promote cognitive function and include oily fish such as salmon, eggs, blueberries, leafy greens, nuts, and even coffee and dark chocolate!
It’s also important to avoid dehydration, which can impair kidney function and cause confusion, dizziness and fatigue and increase the risk of falls. Older adults should take in 1.5 – 2 liters of water each day, which includes liquid contained in foods.
Healthy Eating for Seniors
Meal planning for seniors doesn’t have to be tricky or time consuming. Try these cooking and nutrition tips for seniors to more easily integrate food preparation into your caregiving routine:
- Batch cook large pot meals like soups, stews, pasta, curries, meatloaf and chili. Load them with vegetables and freeze them in single portions for reheating on busy days. This is a great way to promote independence if your loved one is still comfortable using a microwave.
- Pre-cut and portion vegetables and fruit for snacks, so a senior can safely grab something to eat when you’re away. Carrots, celery, apples, oranges, nuts and dried fruit such all make good, healthy snacks.
- Balance healthy foods with treats – there’s nothing wrong with a slice of cake or a glass of wine now and again. Just make sure at least 80% of their diet is healthy and nutrient-rich.
- Keep everything in the fridge clearly labelled and check regularly for food that is out of date.
Looking After Yourself as a Caregiver
It’s not just seniors who need a balanced diet – as a caregiver, your wellbeing needs are paramount so you can perform at your best and avoid burnout. But when you’re busy rushing from one task to the next, it can be easy to slip into unhealthy habits, like skipping meals or reaching for snacks that may not be nutritious or filling.
One way around this is to keep pre-portioned, non-perishable snacks on hand like nuts, seeds and dried fruits. Whenever you can, start the day with a high-protein breakfast and keep a couple of healthy meals in the freezer for the days when you’re too tired to cook for yourself. It’s also imperative to sip water throughout the day to keep up your energy and concentration levels.
Can I Get Help With Meal Planning?
If you find it difficult fitting meal planning into your caregiving routine, FirstLight can help. A professional caregiver can visit every day to prepare meals, or help you plan and implement budget-friendly senior meal plans. They can even arrange the shopping for you and help with feeding and mobility if required.
On the other hand, if you enjoy cooking and wish you could devote more time to it, a FirstLight in-home caregiver can take care of other tasks like housekeeping, mobility assistance and even personal hygiene routines.
Meal Planning Made Easy With FirstLight
Meal preparation might sometimes feel like a chore but ensuring good nutrition for your loved one can make a huge difference to their physical and mental wellbeing. Proper meal prep also provides you, the caregiver, with enough energy and stamina to carry out your tasks to the best of your ability.
If you’re struggling with meal ideas or just time to cook and tidy up, these nutrition tips for seniors will help you get started. If you still feel you need some extra support, then a professional caregiver can help.
If you’d like to know more about how FirstLight Home Care can assist with nutrition, meal planning and preparation, contact our team for a consultation and personalized care plan today.