Thanksgiving is a time of celebration. It can also be a time of loneliness or isolation for seniors, however, so make sure to include your aging loved ones if possible or plan for a special meal recommended by their home health care agency. To make the holiday safe and healthy for seniors, use the following tips on diet and general care.

How to Help Seniors Have a Happy Thanksgiving

1. Dietary Guidelines

Many seniors have dietary restrictions because of health conditions or experience a decrease in taste sensitivity. Plan your meal to include foods that are lower in salt and sugar and seasoned with fresh herbs and spices. Offer plenty of salad as well as soft cooked vegetables, and have desserts with lower or no sugar on hand, such as fruit or sweetened desserts. Check with your loved one’s home health care provider to learn of any new issues with food, swallowing, or eating. And don’t forget to ask your senior what they would like to see at the feast. 

2. Be Aware of Possible Depression

The holidays are often a time of low spirits, especially for seniors who no longer have all of their friends or independence. Do your best to include loved ones in celebration plans. If your aging mom still loves to cook, have her help out with the meal. Or, let dad carve the turkey and get him involved in the day’s games and activities with younger family. If you are far from your aging loved ones, ask the home health care agency to plan a special meal and provide some extra companionship. 

3. Celebrate in Moderation

Feasting—both with food and alcohol—is a central part of Thanksgiving activities. However, many seniors can’t tolerate much alcohol, so try to moderate their intake. Likewise, too much salt and sugar aren’t easily metabolized by older digestive systems and may be contraindicated by health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

4. Be Mindful of Medication

Understand the medications your loved ones are on and how they may interact with food. Antibiotics and antidepressants don’t mix well with alcohol, for example, and blood thinners such as Warfarin are adversely affected by too much vitamin K, which is found in cruciferous veggies and leafy greens. If your loved ones are visiting you, have their home health care aides remember to pack medication and any other medical necessities.

Lifetime Care is committed to the quality care and well-being of your loved one. They offer home health care, hospice, pharmacy services, pediatrics, and bereavement services. Lifetime Care has been named a HomeCare Elite® Top Agency in recognition of their quality of service and care. They serve New York’s Finger Lakes region with locations in Rochester, Lakeville, Newark, Auburn, and Dundee. Call (585) 214-1000 in Rochester, (800) 598-4995 in Lakeville, or (315) 331-7990 in Newark for an appointment or to start intake for services. Visit their comprehensive website for more information about their services.