Elderly Care in Boynton Beach FL
The sad truth is that as people age, they suffer reduced access to food, less ability to prepare fresh, whole healthy meals themselves, and a greater chance of becoming malnourished. Eating the wrong foods, in turn, makes people more susceptible to diseases, especially heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.
If you’re worried about the way an aging parent or elderly family member eats, it might be time to do something about it. Even small changes that get more vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins into the diet make a big difference. Consider this, from the World Health Organization:
“Elevated serum cholesterol, a risk factor for coronary heart disease in both men and women, is common in older people and this relationship persists into very old age. As with younger people, drug therapy should be considered only after serious attempts have been made to modify diet. Intervention trials have shown that reduction of blood pressure by 6 mm Hg reduces the risk of stroke by 40% and of heart attack by 15%, and that a 10% reduction in blood cholesterol concentration will reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 30%.”
1. Talk with Your Family Member
If your relative is receiving elder care of any kind, it’s possible that they have turned their health conversations over to their aide. While this is great and helpful, you should be involved in this decision-making too. Express concern about diet choices, share your goals, and tell your relative about how you eat to set a good example.
2. Get the Home Health Aide on Board
If your parent or relative is receiving home care, it becomes easier to make changes to their diet, because someone else is keeping an eye on them. Preparing and overseeing meals is one of the primary duties of many in-home care providers, so don’t hesitate to ask the aide for help. Often times they provide similar services to other clients, and are very knowledgeable about healthy diet choices, portion control and the importance of drinking lots of water.
3. Involve Your Relative in Your Own Cooking Process
Sometimes, especially when housebound elderly people are receiving home senior care and spend most of their time at home, they don’t get a chance to experience other ways of living. If your parent is nearby and this is possible, it can be great to get them out of the house and involved in your own family’s cooking process. Make them their favorite meals, but sub in healthy ingredients. Let them help, and make food a big family event.
Getting seniors to eat more healthfully may not be that easy, especially if they’re set in their ways. However, good diet can add years to life, so it’s worth making the effort for people you love and care about.
If you or a family member near Boynton Beach, FL are in need of elderly care services, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing Service in Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Delray Beach, Coconut Creek, Taramac, Margate, and surrounding Florida cities.
Source
http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/ageing/en/index1.html
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