As family caregivers, we have to be aware of the changing dietary needs of senior loved ones. From decreased appetite to difficulty chewing and swallowing, there are many common dietary issues for seniors that require special attention. In this blog post, we'll explore five issues that can prevent a senior from eating well and five tips for ensuring they get the nutrients they need.
5 Common Dietary Issues for Seniors
Seniors often face a variety of issues due to their changing dietary needs, including:
1. Decreased Appetite
Many seniors lack a desire to eat due to a variety of factors like depression, illness, and medications.
2. Difficulty Chewing and Swallowing
Problems with chewing and swallowing can cause food to become lodged in the throat and can lead to choking. Anxiety about re-experiencing scary choking incidents can make seniors nervous about eating.
3. Changes in Taste and Smell
This can lead to decreased food intake due to the decreased ability to enjoy food.
4. Poor Nutrition
Not getting adequate nutrition can lead to a variety of health problems.
5. Difficulty Preparing Their Own Meals
Mental or physical impairments can make it difficult for seniors to make their own food.
5 Tips for Helping Seniors with Their Changing Dietary Needs
1. Encourage Healthy Eating Habits
Make it easy and enjoyable for your loved one to eat a variety of healthy foods.
2. Offer Nutritious Snacks
Nutritious snacks like fruits and vegetables are a great way to help seniors get the nutrients they need. Prepare healthy snacks in advance to reduce the urge for binging on food that's full of sugar or empty calories.
3. Prepare Meals That Are Easy to Chew and Swallow
Choose foods that are soft and easy to chew, and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
4. Make Meals Enjoyable
Talk with your loved one about the foods they enjoy and get creative in the kitchen to make appealing meals. Don't forget to ask them for their favorite recipes!
5. Monitor Nutrition Intake
Make sure your loved one is getting the right amount of calories and nutrients each day. This may require the use of a kitchen scale and label reading, but the effort will pay off.
The Importance of Nutrition for Seniors
Seniors' nutritional requirements may change according to body condition, activity, age, and ability to acquire and digest essential nutrients. Seniors often require fewer calories per day, so it's important to focus on nutrient-dense foods.
Good nutrition is essential for everyone, but making sure seniors get the most out of their meals can be a challenge. If you need help making sure your loved one is getting the nutrients they need, you can seek the help of a nutritionist or their primary care provider.
We're Here to Help
As in-home care providers, Senior Helpers professionals know how to give meaningful assistance with seniors' food preferences and needs. If you have difficulty caring for your loved one's dietary requirements here in Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, Westland, Southfield, Waterford, and Canton, contact Senior Helpers Southeast Michigan. Our team of professionals can provide the assistance and support you need to ensure your loved one is getting the nutrition they need for a fulfilling, healthy lifestyle.