Dietary Changes That Can Improve Your Senior Loved One's Health in Annapolis, MD

With companion home care services from Visiting Angels, seniors in Annapolis, Millersville, Pasadena, Arnold, Glen Burnie and surrounding areas in Maryland can receive assistance with preparing healthy and delicious meals from a trained caregiver

Maintaining a well-balanced diet is important at any age. However, good nutrition is especially important for seniors, who without it can develop serious health problems. Unfortunately, according to reports from the National Resource Center on Nutrition & Aging, one out of every four older adults suffers from malnutrition.

If your loved one suffers from poor nutrition, our companion home care providers at Visiting Angels Annapolis can help them make necessary dietary changes and prepare nutritious meals for your parent.

Seniors often struggle with a slower metabolism, health conditions and loss of certain body functions. This is why including certain power foods into their diet is important. Here are some guidelines that can help your loved one improve their eating habits.

Combat Slower Metabolisms with Protein-Rich Diets

As we age our metabolism slows down which can often lead to weight gain. However, strict diets and reduced calorie intake is not the solution to this problem. In order to combat slowing metabolism, your loved one should switch to a protein-rich diet.

Our caregivers can make sure that your loved one is eating more frequent smaller meals instead of two large portions, therefore staving off hunger that lowers metabolism. They can also prepare dishes with protein-rich foods such as tuna, chicken breasts, turkey breasts, cottage cheese, salmon, eggs or broccoli.

Increase Calcium Intake to Maintain Bone Health

Seniors with fragile bones are more prone to falls, injuries, and fractures. Therefore, it is important for your loved one’s well-being that they maintain good bone strength. Calcium and vitamin D are crucial for bone health.

At Visiting Angels Annapolis, our companion home care providers can prepare calcium-rich meals and beverages that include a mix of fortified cereals, fruit, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, milk, low-fat plain yogurt or cottage cheese.

Superfoods That Power the Body

Certain foods have the power to drastically boost your loved one’s health, so consider adding them to their diet. For example, blueberries are important for healthy aging. They are high in dietary fiber and packed with antioxidants so they can defend the body against heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Beans are also a great source of antioxidants, while fatty fish are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids. These super foods can benefit your loved one and help them remain healthy and strong.

If you wish to learn more about our meal preparation services and ways our companion home care providers can help your loved one remain independent and age comfortably at home, please contact our office in Millersville, MD today.