Food is the fuel that allows the systems in the body to work efficiently. The vitamins, nutrients, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that food provides are all essential for aspects of body and brain functioning. Eating a healthy diet throughout life is one of the best ways to prevent health problems and to naturally heal the body.

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For seniors, eating a healthy diet can be a challenge. Aging typically causes a reduction in appetite, which limits the senior's ability to eat the recommended types of foods. In addition, seniors may also have challenges in getting out to get groceries or in preparing their meals, all of which further reduce the amount of food an elderly person consumes. Alzheimer's and dementia patients benefit from healthy foods and having support in preparing and eating meals.

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At Capital City Nurses, our in-home care is designed to help seniors with these issues. Our trained staff understands proper nutrition and works with the senior and the family to create healthy meals that appeal to the individual.  

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In addition, we focus on providing healing meals for our clients. These may be seniors in rehab and post-op care or those managing chronic health conditions. Adding the right types of foods naturally helps the body to heal while providing the delicious meals that help stimulate appetite.

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The Power of Nutrients  

One of the services Capital City Nurses provides home care clients in Frederick, MD, is an understanding of the importance of specific nutrients in the healing process. For example, protein is important for seniors to help maintain muscle mass and to help rebuild cells in the body. Eggs and lean meats, as well as Greek yogurt, are great options for proteins that can be consumed every day. Adding fatty fish like salmon also provides Omega-3 fatty acids, which are heart-healthy choices.

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Other nutrient-rich foods include avocados, which are full of healthy fats, nuts and seeds that have several trace minerals, and berries and fresh fruits offer a variety of natural antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for metabolic functioning. Whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables all help with digestion, decrease blood sugar spikes, and provide a range of vitamins and minerals needed for healing.  

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Boosting Immunity and Managing Chronic Conditions

Small dietary changes are often recommended by our compassionate nursing staff and in-home care providers. These changes can be instrumental in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, Crohn's disease, GERD, and food sensitivities. Boosting immunity by eating more plant-based food choices that are high in beta-carotene, Vitamins C, D, and E, is also recommended. Zinc, found in nuts, lentils, and beans, is a mineral that helps your immune system fight germs and viruses.  

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In addition, our senior companion program assists seniors in preparing healthy, beneficial foods to boost immunity, manage health conditions, and aid in speedy recovery. Having the right nutrients in the body can help repair sore muscles, assist with minor aches and pains, and even help to strengthen the skin to prevent injury.

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Meal Planning and Building Appetite

A Capital CityNurses geriatric home care manager oversees all elderly care programs. This allows us to develop targeted programs to make delicious and nutritious meals that support a healthy appetite. In situations where clients have limited appetites, our elderly care staff implements targeted strategies to encourage the senior to focus on healthy foods for meals and snacks throughout the day.

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Using a mind-body connection approach to food and eating, we utilize the psychological benefits of consciously eating healthy foods to help in maintaining senior brain health. Our emotional support services help the family and also provide meal planning tips that focus on the best foods for healing and recovery.

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In addition, to focusing on healthy foods and eating for recovery and healing, our team of caregivers supports our clients with medication management, personal hygiene, transportation, and ongoing senior companionship.

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To learn more about our services at Capital City Nurses, call us today at 866-807-7307.