Ensuring Good Nutrition for the Elderly

They fed us, cared for us, and watched over us. Now it’s our turn.

As our dear seniors age, they need our support more than ever before. And one of the most powerful ways we can return the love they showed us is to ensure that they are healthy. As they grow older, their needs change. That includes what they eat and what goes on their plate. The nourishment they get should be enriching, in a way that’s both good for the body and mind.

Giving our seniors what they need to be nourished preserves their dignity, strength, and joy in their golden years. Caring for their nutritional needs is one way we show that deep respect—one thoughtful meal at a time.

At Legacy Place, this is an integral part of the loving care we provide. We understand that it does pose a challenge to make sure elderly ones get the nutrition they need, especially if they don’t feel like eating or need monitoring. We have put together some tips and also shown you what we do at Legacy Place to make this easier. Hope this article helps.

Why Nutritional Needs Shift with Age

Aging brings with it many physical changes. Those include:

1) Slower Metabolism
2) Reduced Appetite
3) Dental or digestive issues

These natural changes affect how and what our elderly should eat.

An Awake! article states that “we all need the same nutrients no matter what our age but in different amounts.”

Elderly ones require a plentiful intake of nutrients to support healthy immunity, muscle power, and mental sharpness. The sad truth is that many individuals over 65 years old face the risk of malnutrition even with plenty of food around them.

A global review published in ScienceDirect found that 18.6% of the world’s elderly population is already malnourished. The danger is even greater in clinical environments, as 76.6% of elderly patients in hospitals were either malnourished or at risk. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis can compound the problem. However, this can be managed or enhanced through proper nutrition. This involves understanding their requirements.

Cautions and Considerations

Our staff prides themselves on ensuring good nutrition for our elderly ones.

1. 1. Know Their Allergies

   As individuals age, they might have or acquire specific food allergies. We must remember these conditions as we serve meals. It would be a good idea to see that they get tested for certain food allergies and arrange their diet plan accordingly. It would be best to avoid anything that is highly processed or that might contain hidden allergens.
   At Legacy Place:
   Dining and Nursing staff receive documentation and dietary restrictions from each resident’s medical team.  A list of residents with allergies or special dietary needs is maintained by the Dining staff. Their meals are tailored accordingly. Sometimes when a resident struggles with certain medical conditions, we offer variations like pureed, mechanical soft, etc. and make every effort to accommodate the residents.We also give special attention to our Memory Care menu as we sometimes adapt the menu to the needs of residents living with dementia who may need additional assistance during meals.

2. 2. Fresh Is Best

   The freshness of the food we eat matters. They taste better and are healthier to consume. Soft fruits, steamed vegetables and whole grains are a great source of enrichment to the body.
   At Legacy Place:
   Our food items are purchased through a culinary food service company that has been vetted for quality. In addition to that, our Dining Manager goes above and beyond and will go to local stores to purchase special items for residents or to purchase local items in season.

3. 3. Appealing Taste

   Appetite tends to reduce with age. How can we make sure our seniors eat and actually enjoy it? By ensuring that the food we offer is tasty. Small and flavorful dishes can motivate them to eat properly. Taste, texture, visual appeal and the setting – all of these factors play a part.
   At Legacy Place:
   Our Dining and Activity staff work together to coordinate to make the meal one of the highlights of the residents’ day. For instance, we often have themed meals where the menu is based on the day’s activities. This gets them involved and makes it more than a boring meal that they have to force themselves to eat. Our regular pizza night is a crowd favorite too!

4. 4. Hydration Matters

   The importance of water cannot be overemphasized, especially for the elderly. Elderly ones might not be having their necessary intake of water, because they simply don’t feel as thirsty or are concerned about having to go to the bathroom often. Assure them that their well-being matters and provide them with water periodically. You can prepare a pleasant cup of herbal tea for them, or some warm soup, or fruits with high water content.
   At Legacy Place:
   Our caregivers and staff put a great deal of effort to ensure that our residents have their necessary intake of fluids. Regular reminders are set for those who need special assistance. Our Dining staff also take care to include fluid-rich fruits and vegetables in meals.

Useful Tips to Address Nutritional Requirements

Here are several methods to ensure our senior loved ones receive proper nutrition:

1. Tip 1: Organize Nutritionally Balanced Meals

   Their meals should be well-balanced. Incorporate a combination of lean proteins, whole grains, nutritious fats, and vibrant vegetables. Foods high in omega-3, such as flaxseeds and walnuts, are particularly beneficial for heart and brain health.

2. Tip 2: Offer Smaller, More Frequent Meals

   Rather than three big meals, consider five smaller ones spread over the day to increase calorie consumption and assist digestion.

3. Tips 3: Transform Meals into a Social Event

   Having friends around to give our seniors company has a positive impact on their mind and body. It also improves appetite and helps digestion.

4. Tip 4: Promote Mild Exercise

   A small stroll before meals helps them work up an appetite. Gentle stretching can help digestion.

5. Tip 5: Accommodate Special Dietary Needs

   Adjust your food plans according to the needs of our seniors. Support them with low-sodium foods or softer foods for easier chewing. Consult a nutritionist if necessary to cater to unique health requirements.

Providing Loving Care

Caring for our senior family members, particularly when it comes to nutrition, is a cherished responsibility. Remember, demonstrating respect involves treating our elderly with dignity, affection, and practical help. Delicious meals, presented with warmth, are a wonderful way to show them that you care. Let us keep valuing our seniors, not merely in speech, but in every bite! Ultimately, it’s about expressing love, appreciation, and respect for a life well-lived.

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