As a family member, caregiver, or friend of a senior with dementia, you may find it challenging to know how to support them best. Meal planning can be an essential part of managing care for a senior with dementia, as it helps ensure nutritious meals with easy preparation.
At Senior Helpers Somerset, an in-home senior care company serving Plainfield, Bridgewater, Edison, Basking Ridge, and Somerset, we understand the challenges that dementia can present. That's why we've compiled a list of the top benefits of meal planning for seniors with dementia and actionable ways to create a meal plan. Keep reading to learn more!
Benefits of Meal Planning for Seniors with Dementia
Meal planning for our senior loved ones dealing with dementia offers health benefits for them, including:
1. Improved Nutrition
Through planning, caregivers can ensure that meals include brain-healthy foods such as omega-3 fatty acids, have less sodium, and are lower in fat. Some of the best food to fight dementia include:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Non-starchy vegetables
- Fresh herbs
- Fresh fruit, especially berries
- Nuts and seeds
- Fish
- Avocados
- Beans
- Wine in moderation
Foods to avoid include sugar, trans fats, and grains. Doctors also recommended taking a probiotic and prebiotic supplement. Proper nutrition plays an essential role in increasing cognitive functioning and decreasing the onset or worsening of dementia.
2. Reduced Stress
Caregivers of seniors with dementia often face multiple tasks and responsibilities. Meal planning eliminates the stress of deciding what to make each day and can reduce the time needed to prepare meals. It also takes the burden of shopping off of the caregiver's shoulders.
3. Improved Quality of Life
Meal planning ensures that seniors with dementia receive various nutritious meals, enhancing their quality of life. Eating regular meals helps to keep seniors healthy and keeps them from becoming malnourished.
Strategies for Meal Planning
1. Establish a Routine
Creating a meal-planning routine can make the process easier for caregivers. It's important to establish regular meal times and include some of the senior's favorite meals as part of the routine. Keeping to a routine also helps to reduce stress and anxiety in seniors with dementia.
2. Create a Meal Plan
Creating a meal plan is the first step in ensuring proper nutrition and helping caregivers to manage time. Caregivers should plan meals for several days at a time and include a variety of healthy snacks in between.
3. Freeze and Clearly Label Meals
Meal planning can include the additional step of pre-cooking meals for weekly dinners. Caregivers can freeze meals and clearly label them with the date and the name of the meal. This labeling system will make it easier for seniors to find and prepare meals when needed.
4. Involve the Senior in Meal Planning
Including seniors with dementia in the meal planning process can help to increase motivation and engagement. Invite the senior to help plan meals and decide what to include in the meal plan.
We Can Help
Meal planning provides a great way to ensure seniors with dementia receive the nutrition they need while reducing the stress and time constraints on caregivers. Following the tips outlined in this article allows caregivers to easily create a meal plan to improve their loved one's quality of life.
If you have a loved one in the Plainfield, Bridgewater, Edison, Basking Ridge, or Somerset area, contact Senior Helpers of Somerset today to learn how our in-home senior care company can help with meal planning and all your other caregiving needs.