Whether you’re a paid professional or the loved one of a senior, providing elderly care means catering to the needs of older people. This role requires helping seniors eat well so they can have a good quality of life. Below, you’ll find three tips that’ll help you offer nutritious food and drink options to your senior.

Elderly Care Providers can Benefit From These 3 Senior Nutrition Tips

1. Calcium Is Key

Older individuals are prone to osteoporosis, a condition where they don’t properly grow bone cells or their body loses bone mass. This can leave them more susceptible to breaks. By eating plenty of calcium—around 1,200 milligrams per day—seniors can potentially prevent osteoporosis from happening by increasing their bone density.

2. Talk About Recipes

Many seniors who are able to cook struggle with coming up with ideas of what to make. Help them learn new recipes by talking over fun ideas when you visit. They’ll appreciate the time together and gaining new skills or ideas of ingredient combinations to try. Plus, you can have their elderly care provider grab groceries so the senior is set with all the foods they’ll need for the week. 

3. Work With Their Doctor

Often, seniors take daily medications to manage conditions like high blood pressure, depression, or diabetes. Some medications associated with these issues may interfere with senior appetites or could even create a bad reaction when paired with specific foods. Talk to your friend or loved one’s doctor to learn if their medications will affect their diet. Then, share that information with their elderly care provider to ensure everyone is on the same page for catering to the senior's needs.

Home Helpers of Jacksonville in East Central Alabama offers personalized in-home senior care to individuals with varying needs. Their compassionate elderly care staff provides socialization as well as assistance with personal hygiene management, eating, medication administration, and more. To learn what program would be best for your senior friend or family member, call their knowledgeable staff at (256) 776-7769. Visit the website for information on their care services.