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During the senior years, it’s important to eat healthy meals. However, some seniors dislike cooking, while others may have physical and mental disabilities that make meal prep challenging. Medication side effects, poor dental health, natural changes in taste, and other factors also affect an older adult’s diet. Here are a few ways you can help your aging parent with meal prep.
1. Label Everything
Poor eyesight can make it difficult for older adults to find the right ingredients, read expiration dates, and manage other parts of meal prep. Make sure to clearly label all food items in your loved one’s pantry and place dry goods in jars, canisters, and plastic containers with clear labeling. Prepare a list of foods in the pantry and fridge and their expiration dates for reference.
If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Winnipeg seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
2. Stock Up on Foods That Suit Specific Health Needs
It’s important to make sure your loved one has foods that fit his or her specific health needs. For example, if your loved one has dental issues that make chewing difficult, he or she is less likely to cook healthy meals. In the event your parent is supposed to avoid salty foods, he or she may not cook if there are no herbs and spices around to add flavor to the meal.
3. Consider a Food or Meal Delivery Service
Access to healthy foods and meals may be an issue, especially if your loved one doesn’t drive. If this is the case, you may want to consider one of the many meal or food delivery services available. Many supermarkets offer home delivery services. Other companies deliver the ingredients necessary to make a meal. Find out what’s available in your loved one’s area and see if it fits his or her needs.
Hiring a professional caregiver is a good way to help a parent with meal prep. In Winnipeg, elderly care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
4. Buy Frozen Foods
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is a great way to get the nutrients needed to boost health. However, it’s common for older adults to buy fresh produce and watch it go bad before it’s eaten. Consider stocking your loved one’s freezer with frozen versions of his or her favorite fruits and vegetables. Frozen produce typically lasts up to 10 months in the freezer.
5. Add New Gadgets to the Kitchen
Some new kitchen gadgets could just be what your loved one needs to make meal prep easier and cook healthy meals more often. For example, a slow cooker makes meal preparation less time-consuming and decreases the chances of a stovetop fire. A small toaster oven is ideal for someone who lives alone and doesn’t want to use a big oven. A food processor can chop up vegetables and other foods for seniors with arthritis.
Meal prep is just one of the many everyday activities seniors may need help with. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable home care. Winnipeg, MB, families trust in Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age. If your parent needs help with daily tasks, give us a call at (204) 489 6000 today.
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