Home Health Care: By the time a person is 70 years old, they have lost about 40% of muscle mass and 30% of strength in their body.
If you are caring for an elderly loved one, it is important to learn how protein can impact their diet. Research shows that elderly people who get enough protein in their diet have a lower risk of getting diseases and a higher chance of improving their muscle mass. Keep reading here today about how you and senior home health care providers can help your loved ones increase their protein intake.
Offering Many Appealing Foods
Many elderly people lose their appetite. When this happens, they may not want to eat the foods they usually eat. However, you and senior home care providers can offer them many appealing foods. For example, if your elderly loved one used to like chicken breasts but now they don’t, add some bright-colored vegetables into the dish. These may appeal more to your elderly loved one and then, they might eat it.
Choose Proteins That Are Easier to Digest
Many elderly people experience digestion issues. This can lead to constipation and stomach pains. Is this the case for your elderly loved one? If so, it would be a good idea for you and senior care providers to add more proteins to their diet that are easy to digest. Some of these foods include lean meats, yogurt, eggs, cottage cheese, and turkey.
Additional Protein
Many elderly people feel full when just eating a small meal. This is why it is necessary for your elderly loved one to be eating nutrient-dense foods. Some foods that you and home care providers can add to your loved one’s meals include meat into pasta dishes and nuts into salads.
Supplemental Beverages
If your elderly loved one has a bad appetite, they can still get the protein they need. There are many supplemental protein beverages your elderly loved one can eat. Before you or a senior home care provider give these to your loved one, check with their doctor first. These may not always be the best option.
Home Health Care: Conclusion
Does your elderly loved one have a loss of appetite? Maybe, you are just worried they aren’t getting the protein or other nutrients they need. If either of these is the case, the above-mentioned tips are ways to increase protein in your elderly loved one’s diet. If the loss of appetite continues, make sure to mention it to your elderly loved one’s home health care provider and their doctor, as well, so it is on their medical record.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Health Care in San Juan Capistrano, CA, please contact the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today!
1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4924200/
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