Senior Nutrition for Caregivers & Families

Meal planning is a great strategy for ensuring older adults get the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they need to support a healthy lifestyle. Whether the focus is on managing a chronic condition or simply staying fit, a solid, predictable meal plan can support those goals. A meal plan takes into consideration meal timing, the types of food you eat, the food combinations that will keep you interested, and achieving the right portion sizes.

At Your Side Home Care’s caregivers are there to help you identify areas where nutrition could be improved and overcome any barriers to that goal. We employ a variety of strategies to make healthful eating more achievable:

• Scheduling meals and snacks at consistent times
• Making sure eating is a positive experience
• Finding ways to make meals social
• Exploring ways to make healthy eating affordable and convenient
• Preparing nutritious and delicious meals for clients
• Trying new food combinations and preparation styles to meet clients’ needs

One of the more important changes in older adults’ dietary needs is getting more protein. But because seniors typically also need fewer overall calories than they used to, focusing on foods high in nutrients and low in calories is key. Think about low-fat and fat-free dairy, lean meats and seafood, whole grains, eggs, beans, and plenty of fruits & veggies. We use the MyPlate program to guide seniors and their families toward healthy, well-balanced snacks and meals.

Seniors need to be aware of their sodium intake because kidney function often decreases as we age, making it harder to expel excess sodium from the body. Sodium is both an important element for maintaining nerve and muscle function and a potential risk factor for heart disease when consumed in excess. People aged 51-70 should be getting at least 1,300mg of sodium per day, and people aged 70 and older should be getting 1,200mg. The maximum amount of sodium for both groups is 2,300mg.

Protein is an essential nutrient for stemming the tide of muscle loss that occurs naturally as we age. Getting enough protein can help prevent falls, support the immune system’s fight against illnesses, and ensure that blood carries enough oxygen throughout the body. Of course, you can get protein from meat, poultry, and eggs. But if you can’t get enough from those sources, try adding more beans, seafood, fortified dairy and soy products, peas, and lentils.