December 23, 2024
Are you worried that your senior parent isn’t eating enough, or isn’t eating healthy meals? You’re not alone. Worries about what their senior parents are eating are one of the most common concerns that family caregivers have when their senior parents live alone.
Cooking healthy meals can be a real challenge for seniors. Think about all the fine motor movements that go into opening a container, lifting a jug of milk, getting bread out of a package, and opening drawers and cupboards.
If your senior parent has arthritis or muscle weakness, it can be painful or even dangerous for them to try and cook meals for themselves. Your mom or dad may end up eating packaged or processed foods that are easy to eat or require little cooking. And if they rely on those types of unhealthy foods, they could become malnourished, even though they are eating.
There are some things that you can do to make it easier for your mom or dad to eat healthy meals like:
In-home care can be a game-changer for seniors who want to live alone but struggle with home household tasks like cooking. A care provider can visit your mom or dad daily and help with things like cleaning the house, doing the dishes, doing the laundry, and cooking healthy meals.
Caregivers can share meals with your mom or dad to encourage them to eat. And caregivers can help with the shopping too so that there is healthy food in the house.
When your mom or dad has in-home care, they will always have access to healthy food because a care provider can cook batches of healthy meals, put them in individual portion containers, and put them in the fridge or freezer.
All your mom or dad needs to do is heat those meals up when they are hungry. An in-home care provider can make sure there are healthy pre-portioned snacks available for your mom or dad too.
You can also encourage your mom or dad to eat healthy by buying lots of pre-made healthy snacks. Stock their fridge with ready-to-eat options like pre-washed salads, cut fruits, and single-serving yogurt. Convenience makes it easier for them to choose healthy options over less nutritious snacks.
Seniors may skip meals due to a lack of appetite or forgetfulness. Help your parent stick to a regular eating schedule by planning meals at consistent times each day. This routine can also stimulate their appetite and improve digestion.
If possible, join them for meals or arrange for someone else to dine with them. Eating with others makes mealtime more enjoyable and encourages them to eat a full, balanced meal.
Getting your parent involved in choosing and preparing meals can boost their interest in eating healthy. Ask them about their favorite dishes and find ways to make healthier versions.
For example, replace fried foods with baked alternatives or use whole-grain pasta instead of regular. Grocery shopping together can also give them a sense of control and help them pick nutritious foods they enjoy.
Physical or medical challenges can make eating difficult for seniors. Dental problems may make chewing certain foods painful, or medications might affect their appetite. Work with a doctor or dietitian to identify and address these issues.
Choose soft, easy-to-chew foods like mashed sweet potatoes, oatmeal, or smoothies if they have difficulty chewing. For reduced appetite, serve small, frequent meals instead of three large ones to ensure they get enough nutrients. Talk to your mom or dad about any issues they are having chewing or eating so that you know what foods will be the easiest for them to eat.
