Approximately one percent of people in the United States have celiac disease, and many of them are over 65. Celiac basically means the body is sensitive to gluten. Consumption of gluten damages the small intestine over time and leads to issues with digestion. If your elderly loved one has celiac disease, here are some great ideas for his or her next meal.
Spinach Omelet
One of the best ways to plan meals for seniors with celiac disease is to stick to the following food groups as much as possible: dairy, meat, nuts, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. This way, there’s no second-guessing whether a certain ingredient has gluten in it or not. For breakfast, a spinach omelet is an easy choice, as it contains some important nutrients needed to boost the health of those who eat a gluten-free diet. Spinach is especially healthy, as many people with celiac disease are encouraged to eat more iron and folic acid. Feel free to add cheese, onions, and other veggies to this delicious dish.
Family caregivers who don’t have time to prepare breakfast for their loved one can seek help with meal prep from professional caregivers. In Oshkosh, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Senior Stride Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Chicken and Rice
Not everyone is ready to stop eating grains when they discover they have celiac disease, and that’s okay. Some grains such as rice are gluten-free. Chicken and rice is a nice comfort food almost any senior can eat, even if he or she has oral issues that make it difficult to chew specific foods. Chicken is also rich in vitamin B6, which is important for fighting off infections.
Preparing gluten-free meals is just one of the many things your loved one may need help with. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Oshkosh, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Senior Stride Home Care, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
Fresh Salad
For something a little lighter, put together a fresh colorful salad for your loved one. Make sure to skip the croutons. You can add spinach to increase the iron and folic acid content. Adding cheese can provide your loved one with some much-needed calcium for strong bones. Otherwise, stick to the food groups mentioned above by adding fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and eggs, chicken, beef, or another favorite protein.
Steak and Baked Potato
If your loved one isn’t into salads, steak and baked potato is an excellent gluten-free option. Steak is an excellent source of vitamin B12, which can help seniors with celiac disease fight fatigue. Potatoes, particularly sweet potatoes, are also high in fiber, which is important for regulated digestion in people with celiac disease.
Grilled Salmon and Vegetables
A grilled or baked salmon steak is a great alternative to beef, and it’s filled with vitamin D. Many people with celiac disease don’t get enough of this essential vitamin in their food. Come up with a healthy side dish made of vegetables. For example, steamed broccoli is a great source of folic acid. Add some cheese to make it more flavorful and to give your loved one’s calcium levels a boost.
Preparing nutritious gluten-free meals for your loved one on a regular basis, without any help, can be a tremendous responsibility. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Oshkosh, WI, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Senior Stride Home Care. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. Call 920-717-1767 today to schedule a free in-home consultation session.