At every age, it is very important to incorporate a food of healthful items into daily meal planning. Healthy eating is essential for everyone, but it’s especially important for older adults who are more likely to experience chronic health problems and changes in muscle mass and bone density. While limiting calories and avoiding weight gain is healthy, there are many other benefits to eating a balanced diet. Brain function and mental health are favorably impacted in addition to the body’s systems being kept in check by the essential nutrients provided.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a comprehensive guide to healthy eating for people of all ages. Continue reading for helpful advice on how older citizens can incorporate nutritious eating habits into their everyday routines.

Include a Wide Range of Food Groups in Meal Preparations
Vegetables, fruits, grains, proteins, and dairy or soy substitutes are all essential components of a well-rounded diet. The vitamins and minerals required to maintain proper body functioning can be found in the combinations of foods that comprise each food category.

Select Healthy Snacks

Two healthy snacks a day is beneficial for many seniors because it helps maintain stable blood sugar levels between meals, stop them from overeating, and keep their energy levels up. An excellent method to incorporate healthy food into daily life is to snack on fruits and vegetables rather than store-bought, processed meals high in added sugar, fats, and salt. In between meals, you can fuel yourself with any of these healthy snack options:

• Vegan hummus and raw vegetables: Pair your choice of carrot, celery, or cucumber sticks with any of the many available varieties of hummus.
• Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits, are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for boosting your immune system and warding off illness.
• Unsalted nuts: like almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios, are a fantastic, no-fuss, heart-healthy alternative.
• Cottage cheese: Get your protein and calcium needs met with this delicious spread, which goes well with whole grain crackers and a dollop of jam or some fresh berries for an extra satisfying and flavorful meal.

Stay Hydrated

Elderly adults may get dehydrated even when the weather is mild because they may fail to recognize their own thirst. Caregivers must ensure that the adults in their charge consume the recommended amount of fluids each day: eight 8-ounce glasses of water. Sugary drinks should be avoided, but seniors can stay hydrated with natural juices, tea, soup, or even water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon and cucumbers.

Get Away from Unhealthy Foods

This may seem like a redundant statement of the obvious, but it’s crucial to highlight the items that have a bad impact on health. Even if they can be more affordable, more fun, or handier at times, the following should be avoided at all costs, especially by the elderly:

• Alcohol
• Mercury
• Refined carbs
• Avoiding Trans Fats

Get in touch with us now to find out more about the compassionate and skilled personal caregivers, RNs, and home health aides who work with your family. It is our pleasure to help you and your loved ones. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 888 447 0407 if you have any inquiries.

In-Home Care: Why It’s Beneficial
In the classic children’s book The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy is not alone in thinking that “there’s no place like home.” According to a recent American Association of Retired person survey, the vast majority of retirees (76%) are happy to stay in their existing residences and communities. And 34 percent of seniors who took the survey said they expect to need to make changes to their homes as they age to better care for their health and home.
Studies on the issue of aging in place have revealed several advantages for seniors who remain in their own homes rather than moving to an institution. In this article, we will discuss the many ways in which professional caregivers can aid patients, as well as the many advantages of in-home care for these individuals.

Benefit No. 1: Greater Freedom
Freedom and independence are greatly enhanced for seniors who choose to age in place rather than move to an assisted living facility or nursing home. However, the costs and benefits of moving from an apartment or private home to a senior living center or skilled nursing facility might be lopsided for older adults who are still capable of living independently.

Benefit No.2: Connecting with Family and Friends
Seniors can better maintain relationships with their friends and family if they maintain the same social circle as they age. The elderly not only have the option of living close to their social circles but also holding gatherings within the comfort of their own homes if they want. However, to uphold professional standards, facilities must implement laws and limits that restrict visitors and may make it inconvenient, formal, or even unpleasant for them to see their loved ones. Seniors can host and interact with the younger generation regularly when their children visit them in a familiar and comfortable setting for the parents.

Benefit No. 3: Companionship
Seniors can receive personalized care and constant companionship when they receive both services in the comfort of their own homes with the help of a paid caregiver. Caregiver candidates are thoroughly screened by Community Home Healthcare, and all employees get extensive, high-quality training to ensure they have the skills to meet your loved one’s physical demands and the compassion to meet their emotional ones. Caregivers who visit seniors in their homes are happy to engage them in interesting conversations and organize outings to medical appointments.

Benefit No. 4: Holistic Health Care
A senior citizen who chooses to live alone frequently needs help and monitoring concerning problems of self-care and health. A trained caregiver will handle your loved one’s grooming, toileting, and other personal care requirements with the utmost respect. In addition to helping with mealtime supervision, caregivers can be useful for things like promoting regular activity and medicine reminders.

Benefit No. 5: Cost-Effectiveness
Homes associated with assisted living and nursing home care are staggering. Not only is remaining at home more appealing due to the comfort and familiarity it provides, but it also becomes more desirable due to the savings it can provide. In-home care is typically less expensive than assisted living facilities or nursing homes, and that’s true even without Medicare coverage. At Doctors Preferred Home Health, we have a team of experts ready to help you figure out how to get the most out of your healthcare benefits and create a care plan that suits your daily routine.

Get in touch with us now to find out more about the compassionate and skilled personal caregivers, RNs, and home health aides who work with your family. It is our pleasure to help you and your loved ones. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 888 447 0407 if you have any inquiries.