It is a wonderful thing to take care of an elderly relative in his or her old age, but often meal planning can be something of a challenge. Preparing foods that your elderly relative enjoys isn’t always an option because age, health problems and digestive issues can get in the way of foods that taste good.
Planning Meals for an Elderly Relative: Healthy, Home-Cooked Meals
You and your kids might enjoy processed foods, but elderly folks need foods high in nutrition and low in things like sodium and cholestorol. Your best bet is to prepare fresh fruits, vegetables and meats (particularly fish and chicken) from scratch. If you don’t have time for that, purchase healthy microwave dinners or frozen meats and vegetables. Take a look at the nutritional content before buying because foods high in sodium and cholesterol can lead to high blood pressure.
Planning Meals for an Elderly Relative: Avoid Chewy Foods
Many elderly people have trouble chewing tough meats and other chewy foods. If you are preparing steak or something else that might be difficult to chew, make sure to cut it up into small bites so that your elderly relative can chew and digest it properly. This is especially true for elderly folks who wear dentures.
Planning Meals for an Elderly Relative: Check Medications
Many medications are not appropriate when mixed with certain foods, so make sure you check the instructions on all prescription bottles before planning meals. If you aren’t sure about something — or if something is unclear — call your relative’s doctor of pharmacist to clarify. You should also make sure to ask about allergies because allergic reactions are much more devestating for the elderly.
Planning Meals for an Elderly Relative: Lots of Calcium
If possible, prepare foods that contain high levels of calcium to protect your elderly relative’s bones. The bones begin to deteriorate and lose density as we grow older, which makes it easier for the elderly to break something. If you find that the foods you prepare are low in calcium, consider offering a calcium supplement from the drug store. It will be most effective when taken at mealtimes.
Planning Meals for an Elderly Relative: Have Snacks On Hand
Many elderly folks find that they can’t eat very much in one sitting, but can snack throughout the day to get enough food to avoid malnutrition. If this is the case of your relative, have plenty of snacks on hand throughout the day. Fruits (already sliced), nuts, chex mix, pretzels and other snacks will keep your relative from going hungry in between meals.
Planning Meals for an Elderly Relative: Take Recommendations
After you have prepared a few meals for your relative, ask how you’re doing. Just because your family member is elderly doesn’t mean that he or she doesn’t have food preferences. Since all of the five senses (including taste) can deteriorate during old age, make sure that your relative is getting enough of the foods that he or she enjoys. You’ll also find that preferences can change from week to week, so ask on a regular basis.
