Seniors living on their own, or those living with family members in Potomac, MD, often experience changes in all aspects of their life, including their appetite and capacity for meal preparation. A variety of situations and changes in their physical and cognitive abilities can lead to seniors simply not getting their nutritional needs met.

Poor nutrition leads to challenges with physical and mental health and well being. In addition, it can contribute to digestive and metabolic issues, decreased immunity, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, arthritis, and diabetes.

At Capital City Nurses, our elderly care programs are designed to help seniors make healthy meal choices, do grocery shopping, and prepare meals. We also provide feeding support if needed. Additionally, our senior care services provide companionship and socialization during meals, which helps make this time positive and enjoyable for your loved one.

Factors that Lead to Nutritional Challenges

The first step in our home care assistance program is to complete a full assessment of the senior’s current health and well being. Our RNs will evaluate the need for home care assistance, and customize a plan that meets their unique needs. Over time, we continually assess this treatment plan, adding services such as medication management, rehab and post-op care, and planning for Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

The factors we look for that may impact a senior’s nutrition include difficulties with swallowing and chewing, dental concerns,and the impact of any conditions related to Alzheimer’s and dementia. In many cases, loss of taste and smell for seniors makes food less appealing, so planning a variety of meals is often a motivator for encouraging seniors to enjoy their food.

For some seniors, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and social isolation may also be factors in appetite reduction. For these individuals, senior companionship throughout the day and support during meal planning and preparation can help stimulate appetite.

Vital Tips for Providing Proper Nutrition for Seniors

Our trained, compassionate in-home care providers work with the senior and their family to develop healthy meal planning strategies. We discuss the foods that allow seniors to get the required levels of Vitamin D, calcium, fiber, potassium, and Vitamin B12, all of which is necessary for a healthy metabolism and bone strength.

We also help seniors and families understand specific ingredients in foods that are not considered healthy. This includes saturated and trans fats, or foods high in sugars and processed carbohydrates. Unfortunately, when seniors do not have assistance with meal prep, they often turn to packaged and processed foods that are high in these types of ingredients.

The result of eating a lot of convenience foods includes problems with cardiovascular health, weight gain, dental health issues, increased risk of some types of cancers, and a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

How Capital City Nurses Home Care Can Help

Our team of care givers ensures a healthy nutritional foundation for each of our patients. Our services are customized to the needs of each individual, allowing our caregivers to help in all aspects of healthy meal planning, preparation, and companionship to make meals a positive event for your loved one.

For more information on our services, call Capital City Nurses at 866-807-7307.