What Should Elderly People Eat During Stroke Recovery?
By Lindsey Fancy 9 am on
Elderly people who have had strokes may be unable to enjoy the same foods they did before the strokes. Stroke-related neurological issues may cause difficulty with chewing and swallowing, and stroke survivors may be unable to eat healthy foods such as raw fruits and vegetables. Fortunately, there are many other wholesome foods your senior loved one can eat during stroke recovery that are well tolerated and nutrient dense.
Dark Chocolate
While chocolate may not sound like an ideal food for elderly stroke survivors, dark chocolate is actually known as a “superfood.” Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and contains heart-healthy magnesium. It’s not as sweet as regular milk chocolate, which may make it a better choice for stroke survivors with diabetes. Dark chocolate may lower the risk of heart attack and stroke and boost immunity in seniors who are prone to frequent infections. Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Winnipeg, MB, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place.
Oatmeal
Fortified with essential nutrients such as B vitamins, iron, and potassium, oatmeal can lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Oatmeal is also a good source of fiber, which senior stroke survivors need to prevent constipation. The neurological effects of a stroke can cause sluggish colonic contractions, leading to severe constipation, pain, and even fecal impaction. If your loved one eats a bowl of oatmeal every day, make sure to offer plenty of water, because high-fiber diets that are deficient in fluids may lead to digestive disorders. Families looking for top-rated elder care providerscan reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Ground Turkey
Because your loved one may be unable to chew or swallow properly, he or she may have difficulty eating meat and poultry. Ground turkey is a good source of iron and other nutrients, it’s leaner than red meat, it’s easily chewed and swallowed, and it’s a versatile food. It can be used for meatballs, chili, tacos, and soups, and its niacin content may stave off fatigue and weakness. While ground turkey doesn’t produce as much fat after cooking as ground beef does, make sure to drain off any excess oil because it can cause problems for stroke survivors with sensitive stomachs.
Baked Squash
Loaded with vitamins and minerals, baked squash is a healthy food choice for elderly people during stroke recovery. It can be served as either a savory or sweet dish, and it’s high in vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. Squash can also stabilize blood sugar levels in diabetics while lowering blood pressure in hypertensive seniors. Because squash is so high in antioxidants, it may prevent the development of chronic illnesses as well as bacterial and viral infections. For a sweeter baked squash, add a small amount of sugar and cinnamon to the squash before baking it. The sugar and cinnamon will pair nicely with the natural sugars in the squash. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Winnipeg senior home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call us today at (204) 489-6000 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
