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A senior’s appetite can change with age, which makes it difficult to determine if he or she is feeling hungry due to a lack of nourishment or some other reason. Here are a few ways you can address your elderly loved one’s hunger and make sure he or she eats well every day.
Enroll in a Senior Meal Program
Instead of constantly worrying your loved one is overeating or not getting enough to eat, you might want to sign him or her up for a senior meal program. Many communities have created meal programs that are specifically designed to address the nutritional needs of adults over 65. These programs often deliver meals and snacks first thing in the morning so seniors don’t have to worry about buying groceries or using kitchen appliances.
If your loved one needs help preparing and cooking healthy meals, a professional caregiver can be a fantastic source of support. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable home care. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care Frederick to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Make Water Readily Available
Even a young and healthy adult can have a difficult time telling the difference between thirst and hunger. If you’re absolutely sure your loved one is eating enough, it’s possible he or she might be dehydrated instead. At the very least, seniors who are relatively active should drink around 8 glasses of water per day. Those who aren’t excited about plain water should try adding fresh fruit or herbs to their water to give it some flavor.
Limit Sugar Intake
Eating sugary foods and snacks can negatively impact your loved one’s metabolism and cause hunger pangs. The human body quickly metabolizes refined sugar for an immediate boost of energy, but the following slump generally leaves an individual feeling even hungrier. Sugar-free gum is an excellent alternative to candy and other treats that can cause spikes in your loved one’s energy levels.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Frederick, MD, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Increase Fiber Intake
Seniors who are deficient in fiber often develop a variety of ongoing medical conditions, including constant hunger pangs. Eating enough dietary fiber throughout the day can reduce your loved one’s risk of overeating, constipation, hemorrhoids, and even bowel cancer. Spending some time together cooking meals full of fresh vegetables and legumes is a great way to ensure your loved one is getting enough fiber in his or her diet.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Frederick, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us today.
