After hearing what the doctor had to say during your aging loved one’s most recent appointment, you know the time has come for Mom or Dad to start eating better foods. However, your loved one has made it clear that he or she isn’t as concerned as you are, and you need some help getting your parent on the right track. There may be some resistance when asking your loved one to change his or her diet, but here are a few simple ways that can make the process easier.
Allow for Moderation
In many cases, doctors say certain foods have to be significantly reduced. This isn’t the same as banning them entirely. For example, your parent might need to start eating lean meats for most dinners, but he or she can still enjoy burgers and hot dogs at the annual Fourth of July picnic. Education can also be very powerful, so you may want to teach your parent about moderation by chatting with the doctor.
Focusing on a nutritious diet can boost quality of life in the golden years. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of home care Oshkosh families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
Make Cooking Fun
When seniors prepare meals with new healthier ingredients, they might start to forget about how much joy cooking used to bring them. Bring the grandchildren over one day to cook with your parent, or spend an afternoon researching new recipes online together. By distracting your parent from the fact that he or she is using new ingredients, you’re allowing your loved one to focus on spending time with the little ones or envisioning his or her culinary masterpiece.
Eating well is just one of the many ways older adults can maintain their health as they age. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional homecare. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Cook for Your Loved One
While you may need to hire help for certain days of the week, you can cook for your loved one when time allows. Invite your parent over for dinner, or bring the family over to prepare a meal. If the food is prepared and ready, your loved one may be more likely to eat it than if he or she had to prepare it.
Not all families are able to find the time to help their aging parents with tasks such as cooking. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Oshkosh Senior Stride Home Care can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. If you’d like to schedule a free in-home consultation with one of our friendly Care Managers, call 920-717-1767 today.