One of the challenges of helping a senior parent who wants to live alone is making sure that they are eating enough food and that they are eating healthy food. Protein is one of the things that most seniors don’t get enough of, and it can hurt their health. In-home care services are a smart way to make sure that your senior parent is eating enough protein.
Protein is essential for good health, especially for seniors. Protein is essential for strong bones and strong muscles. And, protein helps the body repair tissues. When seniors don’t get enough protein, they can become frail and have a hard time recovering from injuries.
There are a lot of reasons why seniors don’t eat properly at home. One of the most common reasons is that seniors don’t want to cook a full meal just for themselves, especially if they don’t like to eat leftovers. Seniors also may not want to cook meat, a primary source of protein, because they are afraid of starting a fire or getting hurt using the stove.
But there are lots of ways that your senior parent can get the protein they need safely and deliciously. An in-home care provider can make protein-rich meals and snacks and encourage your senior parent to eat them throughout the day. In-home care aides can also track how much protein your senior parent is eating.
Some other easy ways to get your senior parent to eat more protein are:
Add Protein to Foods They Already Eat
One of the easiest ways to increase protein is by adding it to the foods your parent already enjoys. For example, you can mix protein powder into oatmeal, mashed potatoes, or smoothies. You can add shredded chicken or beans to soups, or sprinkle cheese on vegetables and pasta.
If they like toast, use peanut butter or cottage cheese instead of butter or jam. This approach helps boost protein without requiring big changes to their diet or introducing unfamiliar meals.
Offer Smaller, More Frequent Meals with Protein
Some seniors do not like to eat large meals, especially if they get full quickly or have trouble with digestion. Instead of focusing on three big meals a day, try offering smaller meals or snacks every few hours.
Make sure each meal or snack includes a source of protein. Examples include Greek yogurt, a boiled egg, a handful of nuts, or a slice of turkey with crackers. These smaller portions are easier to manage and can add up to a healthy amount of protein by the end of the day.
Supplement With Protein-Rich Drinks and Shakes
If your parent is not eating enough solid food, protein drinks or shakes can be a great option. Many seniors enjoy smoothies made with milk, yogurt, protein powder, and fruit. These drinks are easy to sip and can be customized to taste. You can also buy ready-made protein shakes from the store. Choose ones that are low in added sugar but high in protein. These drinks are especially helpful in the morning or when your parent does not feel like eating a full meal.
Choose High-Protein Foods They Like
It is important to pay attention to your parents’ preferences. If they do not like certain meats or dairy products, look for other options. Eggs, cheese, Greek yogurt, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and tofu are all high in protein and come in many forms.
For example, if they like sweet foods, offer yogurt with fruit. If they prefer savory snacks, try hummus with whole grain crackers or tuna salad on toast. By focusing on foods they enjoy, you are more likely to encourage healthy eating habits.
If you or an aging loved one is considering In-Home Care Services in Flemington, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Expert Home Care today at (732) 937-5320.
We provide exceptional live-in home care in New Jersey, including Monroe Township, Edison, New Brunswick, Red Bank, Lakewood, Princeton, Morristown, Flemington, Stockton, Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Montclair, Livingston, Summit, and surrounding communities.
We have been providing Home Health Care to New Jersey families since 1985, and have grown to become one of the largest licensed providers of Live-In Home Care in the upper New Jersey area. Our many years of New Jersey home care experience has produced a company that over 8,000 clients have come to rely on confidently, for help.
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