Caring for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s disease often means ensuring he or she eats plenty of nutrient-dense foods. A healthy diet won’t reverse the symptoms, but it can boost mood, cognitive abilities, and overall energy levels. The following tips may help you convince your loved one to eat nutritious dishes instead of junk food.
1. Supplement with Rich Shakes & Smoothies
With a few healthy ingredients, you can turn a bland smoothie into a delicious beverage that tastes just like a shake. Shakes and smoothies are easy to consume, which may make mealtimes less stressful for seniors. You can prepare a healthy and mouthwatering shake with nothing more than a few scoops of sugar-free protein powder, a handful of ice, and some vitamin D milk.
Seniors with serious health issues often need help preparing meals. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Reston families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
2. Cook with Bright Fruits & Vegetables
Many chefs claim people first eat with their eyes, and this saying rings true at every age. The presentation of a dish could have a major impact on how much your loved one enjoys the meal. Colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and beets are full of nutrients and fun to eat.
3. Provide Two Healthy Choices for Each Meal
You might be able to convince your loved one to eat a healthy meal by offering two options. Instead of saying your loved one has to eat a specific dish, you can ask which healthy dish he or she would like to eat. Your loved one will feel like he or she has more control over dietary choices even though you’re steering him or her in the right direction. A similar tactic can be used for beverages, snacks, and desserts as well.
4. Create Catchy Names for Healthy Foods
Making up catchy names for healthy foods is an old tactic parents have been using for decades. As Alzheimer’s progresses, calling the foods silly names could serve as a distraction when your loved one becomes visibly irritated over eating options. Cucumbers might become submarines, or broccoli could be called mini-trees.
From eating nutritious meals to managing daily activities, older adults with Alzheimer’s disease may need help with an array of tasks. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of elderly home care. Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
5. Alter the Size, Shape, & Texture of Foods
Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease often have a difficult time explaining why they dislike certain foods. If your loved one no longer seems to enjoy healthy foods he or she once loved, you might want to try changing the size or shape of those dishes. Cutting up sweet potatoes or cauliflower into smaller bites makes them easier to eat.
6. Use Dips, Dressings, & Marinades
Many of the dips and dressings found in the grocery store have quite a bit of processed sugar, but using these products may be necessary at times. A large bowl of fresh produce will still be nutritious even if your loved one is dipping the sliced vegetables into a dressing.
Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors to manage without assistance, and it can be just as challenging for families who don’t have experience in providing Alzheimer’s care. Reston Assisting Hands Home Care provides Alzheimer’s care seniors and their families can depend on. Our caregivers help seniors with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions live happier and healthier lives. Call one of our friendly Care Specialists today to schedule a free consultation.
