Family caregivers must focus on many tasks when providing care for an elderly loved one. One of the most important of these tasks is ensuring healthy meals and snacks are served each day. Here are just some of the reasons meal prep is such an important aspect of caregiving.
Prevents Nutritional Deficiencies
Many seniors fall into the habit of eating the exact same foods for every meal, which can result in nutritional deficiencies. Taking some time to actually plan each meal gives caregivers the ability to create a diverse diet plan with a wide variety of healthy foods. If deficiencies are discovered, minor adjustments can be made to the meals to ensure your loved one is getting the nutrients he or she needs.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Helps with Portion Control
One of the most common side effects of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related disorders is irregular eating. While overeating can be a dangerous habit, failing to eat enough can often be just as harmful. Caregivers who prepare meals beforehand can have much more control over a senior’s exact caloric intake. Just as with nutritional deficiencies, minor adjustments can be made if your loved one gains or loses too much weight.
Seniors living with serious health conditions often need extensive assistance in and outside the home. Home Care Assistance is a trusted provider of Edmonton live-in care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with bathing, grooming, light housekeeping, and various other daily tasks, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Reduces the Risk of Kitchen Catastrophes
Falls, cuts, and other household accidents can happen in any room, but they’re especially common in the kitchen. Slippery floors, dull knives, and overhead cupboards are all serious safety risks for seniors with limited mobility and dexterity. Even if your loved one would like to help with some of the food prep, you or a professional caregiver should be by his or her side at all times.
Creates Routines
A structured daily meal routine can provide your loved one with a wide variety of benefits, including reduced anxiety, better sleep, and increased feelings of safety. However, these routines won’t be helpful if you’re rushing to get meals done at the last minute when your loved one is hungry and his or her blood sugar is plummeting. Prepping the dishes beforehand means meals can be eaten at the same time every day.
Meal prep is just one important aspect of providing care for a senior loved one. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading Edmonton homecare services agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. Whether your parent needs hourly or live-in care, give us a call at (780) 490-7337 today.