Many seniors with this type of function decline have difficulty remembering when they are supposed to eat, how often they are supposed to eat if they have already eaten, why they should eat, or what foods they should eat. They may also struggle with no longer being able to properly taste food or not enjoying the food that they once did. This can result in them not getting enough of the nutrition that they need to keep their body healthy and functioning. Fortunately, there are ways that you can help to encourage better nutrition for your senior see, including making simple changes to their mealtime routine.

Senior Care Lorton VA: Nutritional Health

Use these mealtime tips to encourage better nutrition for your senior:

Make mealtime only about the meal. This is not the time to multitask or to try to handle other things. Too much going on can confuse and frustrate your parent, and cause them to be even more resistant to eating. When it is time to eat, turn off all distractions, stop all activities, and focus only on the meal

Encourage your parent to eat in the dining room or at the kitchen table. Giving them a specific space that is dedicated to eating will help them relate this area to eating and remind them of what they are supposed to be doing when they go there. Allowing them to eat in front of the television or in bed can create confusion and disrupt their routine

Clear off the table. Remove centerpieces or decorative items that could be distracting or confusing for your parents. This is particularly important when related to decorative items that look like food, such as fake fruits. Consider using a simple white tablecloth that will help to create better contrast between the table and the food

Bring their own plate. Rather than bringing large platters of food to the table, build individual plates in the kitchen and bring them to your parent. This will make eating less daunting and help your parent to focus on their food

Think small. Give your parent small servings of nutritional food, breaking the meal into several courses of one or two items each. This encourages them to eat a more varied diet and ensure that they do not get overwhelmed by a large quantity of food. You can always offer them more if they are still hungry

How can senior care help?

Starting elderly care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you can make for them if you want to encourage their highest quality of life as they age in place. An elderly home care services provider can step in to fill care gaps, provide additional companionship and support, and help your parent to live a lifestyle that is as fulfilling, engaged, and independent as they age in place.

These services can include everything from safe and reliable transportation, assistance with tasks such as running errands, physical support to assist with mobility issues, help with keeping the home clean, personal care tasks, and more. As their family caregiver, this can give you a tremendous sense of peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in good hands both when you are with them and when you are not.

If you or a loved-one are considering Senior Care in Lorton, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC.  Call today 703-910-7081.

Homecare in Lorton VA: Boosting Your Senior’s Appetite

A decreased appetite is just one of the many changes the elderly face as they age.  If your mom or dad just isn’t as hungry and is losing weight, it can be concerning.

Here are three tips for making sure your parent is eating enough.

1. Avoid Full Meals and Do Small Plates More Frequently

Rather than serve one large meal each day, spread meals out and have smaller meals more frequently.   Your parent will always be eating without making the stomach feels uncomfortable.  Eating frequent meals also helps regulate blood sugar levels and avoid crashes when the stomach is nearing empty.

When creating a schedule for small, frequent meals, start with breakfast just after getting up, then plan another light meal two hours later.  Space them out so that a small plate is offered every two or three hours.

2. Make Sure There’s a Companion Available for Main Meals

Many seniors eat more when they have company.  Instead of cooking a meal and then leaving your mom or dad to eat alone, sit down and share a meal and conversation.  Plan weekly or monthly family dinners where your mom or dad enjoy the company of children and grandchildren.

If you cannot always be there for meals, talk to an elder care agency.  In addition to preparing meals for your parent, a caregiver can sit down and eat with your mom or dad.

3, Try New Things

Taste buds change over time.  Your mom or dad’s lack of appetite may simply be that the foods in the cupboards, freezer, and refrigerator are no longer appealing.  Introduce new foods and see what your mom or dad really seems to enjoy.

–Create plates that have a variety of colors and textures…

For example, crunchy tortilla chips with the red, white, and green of a homemade pico de gallo appeal to the eyes and mouth.   A grilled chicken breast topped with a chutney made from blueberries and onions looks appealing and is healthy, too.  Keep introducing new foods from time to time to keep your parent from becoming bored.

Caregivers benefit your mom or dad in so many ways.  Not only will your parent have help preparing meals, but the companionship aspect is very important.  Studies find that the elderly are in better physical and mental shape when they avoid feeling lonely.  Call an elder care agency today to learn more about the services available to your mom or dad.

If you or a loved-one are considering homecare in Lorton, VA, to help with motivation and exercise each day, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC. Call today 703-910-7081.