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A healthy diet is a vital part of providing good senior care. Proper portion sizes of balanced, nutritious foods enable your elder loved one to enjoy their golden years. Whether you’re considering an assisted living community for your parent or caring for them at home, considering their meals and snacks is vital. Here’s a closer look at some simple ways you can help.

3 Healthy Eating Tips for Good Senior Care

1. Boost Protein Intake

When providing elder care, ensure their meals and snacks provide enough protein, which aids in maintaining strong bones and muscles. International medical and nutritional experts say healthy older adults need 1 to 1.2 grams of protein for each 2.2 pounds of body weight.

Under this formula, a senior man weighing 180 pounds needs 81 to 98 grams of protein daily, and a 150-pound woman needs 69 to 81 grams. Chicken, eggs, milk products, legumes, and beans are among many food choices that help meet the requirement.

2. Provide Fruit & Vegetables

senior careFruits and vegetables contain vitamins and antioxidants that help seniors maintain good health. If your loved one has difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing, try cutting their servings into small pieces or serving them as smoothies. Cooking nutritious items like apples, prunes, kale, and carrots helps soften their texture and makes them easier to eat.  

3. Serve Whole-Grain Foods

Whole-grain foods contain fiber and bran, which aid in preventing blood clots, maintaining blood sugar levels, and relieving constipation. Encourage healthy eating by offering brown rice instead of white and serving cereals, breads, and crackers made from whole wheat or oats rather than white flour.

 

When looking for a facility with healthy foods as part of their senior care program, visit WyndRidge Health & Rehabilitation Center in Crossville, TN. This team of licensed physicians, nurses, physical therapy specialists, and caregivers provides high-quality nutritional and physical elder care support with a variety of balanced meals and snacks in a safe and comfortable environment. For more about the rehabilitation center’s services, visit them online. Call (931) 707-5687 today to arrange a tour.

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