Has your aging relative recently been diagnosed with celiac disease? More seniors are developing this gluten intolerance in their later years than ever before, even though it was previously thought to only develop in children and teens. The only true treatment for celiac disease is to radically modify the diet and eliminate all sources of gluten.

Elderly adults who are dependent on family caregivers, home care providers and friends to help them with daily tasks must focus on all the information available to them during November, which is Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month.

Why Is a Gluten-Free Diet Necessary?

Gluten is found in certain grains like wheat and rye. When someone has celiac disease, the presence of gluten in the digestive system can lead to serious health problems. Gluten can irritate and inflame the intestines and prevent the body from absorbing nutrients from food. Symptoms of celiac disease in seniors includes belching, bloating, gas, nausea, weight loss, fatigue, constipation and fat in the stool. It can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful for seniors to endure the symptoms.

What is Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month?

Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month is a time for health officials, celiac disease awareness organizations and others to share resources about the condition with interested patients and family members. There is information about how to recognize symptoms in the elderly because the condition often goes undiagnosed and therefore untreated. Gluten-Free Awareness Month also provides resources for family caregivers, home care providers and others to provide meal ideas and treatment updates from the latest studies.

How Can Family Caregivers Help Seniors with Celiac Disease?

For seniors, celiac disease can really diminish their quality of life, so they need to learn as much as they can about their condition and then live a gluten-free life. However, elderly adults that have physical limitations and rely on others for care don’t have much say in the meals they eat because others prepare them. That’s why it’s so important for family caregivers to plan meals that comply with a gluten-free diet. Then, they need to let home care providers and other family members know which foods are allowed. Dietary restrictions are no problem for home care providers as they have training and experience with all kinds of restrictive diets.

Home Care Providers Can Make Gluten-Free Meals

Meal preparation is part of a home care provider’s service and they can serve delicious and nutritious meals for elderly adults that don’t contain gluten. Foods to avoid include pasta, bread, pastries, crackers, cereal, granola and some breading. When non-gluten foods are the star of the meal, seniors can enjoy the taste and benefit from the nutrition. The increase in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and more will also provide a nutritional boost toward overall health. Family caregivers and home care providers can work together to give seniors with celiac disease a whole new outlook during Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month.

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Home Health Care in Gulfport, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.