For one reason or another far too many elderly Americans don’t eat as they should. Seniors that get malnourished are more likely to experience falls, anemia, dementia, illnesses, and hospitalizations. For the average aging-in-place senior it doesn’t take long for malnutrition to place their independence at risk. As an informal caregiver here’s how to properly meet your senior loved one’s nutritional needs.  

Is Your Senior “Nutritionally Challenged?”

For many older adults ordering fast food or microwaving a TV dinner is more convenient than preparing a nutritious meal- especially when they live alone. As the body ages its ability to absorb essential nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B-12, and calcium diminishes. To make matters even worse, many aging adults don’t get the nutritional counseling they need.

Other reasons why older adults become malnourished include:

• Functional limitations due to chronic health conditions
• Diminished sense of taste or smell
• Chewing or swallowing difficulties
• Limited income
• Side effects from certain medications
• Alcoholism
• Mental health issues like loneliness and depression
• Cognitive impairment caused by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease

Health Problems Linked to Malnutrition

According to the Mayo Clinic, malnourished seniors are at higher risk for developing these health problems:

• Slow wound healing
• Weakened immune system that makes infections more likely
• Muscle weakness and bone mass loss which lead to falls and fractures
• Higher risk for hospitalizations
• Increased risk for dying

Because of malnourishment many older adults each year end up spending time in a hospital or nursing home – and some lose their independence permanently as a result.

Helpful Nutrition Tips for Older Adults

As a family caregiver using these strategies will help ensure that your loved one gets the essential daily nutrients they need:

Consult a dietary specialist

Speak to a registered dietician or nutritionist about your loved one’s condition, along with any factors that might be affecting their appetite. A dietary specialist can help you plan a nutrient-rich diet and offer creative suggestions for getting your senior to eat healthier. Multiple online sources also offer free dietary tips for seniors.

Use these dietary guidelines to prepare healthy meals and snacks for your senior:

• Stick to healthy fats found in nuts, seeds, avocados, fatty fish, and olive oil while avoiding saturated fats and trans fats.
• Choose whole grains that are rich in fiber and nutrients like brown rice, whole-grain bread, and cereals rather than white bread and refined grains.
• Focus on foods high in protein including beans, eggs, chicken, fish, lean meats, and nuts.
• Add Vitamin B12-fortified cereals.
• Calcium is important for bone health, so include calcium-rich foods such as low-fat dairy products.

Grocery shop together

Volunteer to tag along the next time your loved one goes grocery shopping. While there, respectfully show them how to read the nutritional labels found on the packaging. Use the opportunity to discuss the importance of avoiding foods and beverages high in sugar and saturated fats like donuts, cookies, soda, and chips.

Offer in-home meal assistance

Another way to monitor what your senior is eating is by helping them prepare food, or by dropping off nutritious dishes and snacks. When your loved one complains that the food is too bland, spice it up with some healthy seasonings. If they are experiencing chewing or swallowing discomfort try serving nutritious broths, pureed foods, and smoothies.

To supplement their diet, serve your senior nutritional shakes and drinks. If you don’t have enough time to prepare healthy meals find them a meal delivery service that caters to seniors or hire a “personal assistant” from a licensed home care agency.

In-Home Support With Nutritional Needs for Your Senior Loved One in Boston

Helping an aging love one eat right can be hard when you’re busy or live far away. At Assisting Hands Home Care of Boston Northwest, we are a locally owned and operated home healthcare provider that specializes in genuine, professional in-home care and skilled services. Our highly trained team of professional caregivers stands ready to deliver in-home nutritional support including meal planning, food shopping, meal preparation, and cleanup.

In addition to meal assistance, our compassionate caregivers can also provide dignified in-home personal care services like respite care, companionship care, dementia care, skilled nursing, and even 24-hour care and live-in care. To learn more about Assisting Hands now, or to schedule a FREE assessment for a senior in the Bedford, Winchester, Concord, or Northwest Boston areas now, please visit us at Assisting Hands – Boston Northwest!