One of the most important keys to eating well for your elderly loved one is planning ahead. No one can eat well when consistently unprepared for meals and trying to find something to satisfy hunger at the last moment. It causes a person to make quick decisions without any forethought about what would be best for the body’s health needs. Homemaker services can help.
Eating Right is More Important Than Ever For Seniors
Enjoying a diet that is rich in essential nutrients, low in empty calories, and well-rounded can help your loved one feel better and be more active. It can help her remain more independent, and if any health issues do arise, a healthy diet can provide her body with what it needs to overcome or manage her health condition.
Finally, if your loved one is on a limited budget, meal planning can help her stay on budget without having to resort to unhealthy food choices just because they cost less at the moment.
Meal Planning Basics & Homemaker Services
Meal planning can look different for everyone. Before she begins, your loved one needs to consider some lifestyle preferences and how homemaker services providers can help.
Stay on Budget
What does your loved one’s weekly food budget look like? This is a great place to start before making a list. You want to make sure that your loved one can afford everything added to her shopping list.
Make a List and Stick to It
To begin, look at recipes your loved one would like to make or have assistance with making for the week. Large-batch meal items like chili, soups, and casseroles are a great way to get several meals without having to buy a lot of different ingredients. While planning, also consider what nutrients your loved one is working toward having in her diet. If Omega-3 Fatty Acids are important, make sure several meals contain items that have that nutrient.
Let’s Go Shopping
Try to shop within a day of meal prepping so that ingredients are their freshest. A family member or friend can shop with your loved one to help her with carrying groceries and brainstorming if certain items are not available.
Time to Prep
It can be nice to have one day where all the meals of the week are prepared, stored, and ready to enjoy all week. This is a great option if you have a homemaker services provider come to the home once a week. Homemaker services providers can work with your loved one to get all of the meals prepared so she can grab what she needs in the coming week. A homemaker services provider can also help her clean up afterward if that task is overwhelming.
Enjoy
Now that everything is ready to go, your loved one can grab her daily meals, heat them, and enjoy fresh homemade meals that not only satisfy but provide much-needed nutrients and vitamins to keep her healthy. Purchasing some fresh vegetables or salad greens to include with some meals will help ensure she gets the fiber she needs during the week as well.
Repeat
Developing a consistent pattern of meal prepping with the help of a homemaker services provider will ensure your loved one always has a healthy option on hand to enjoy when mealtime hits.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Homemaker Services in New Richmond, OH, please contact the caring staff at Freedom Home Care today at (513) 461-2780
Freedom Home Care Serves Veterans in Clermont County, Batavia, Amelia, Milford, New Richmond, Goshen, Bethel, Williamsburg, Loveland, Withamsville, Brown County, Felicity, Georgetown, Mount Orab, Ripley, Hamersville, Sardinia, and surrounding areas.
Our team is committed to providing the highest standard of care, ensuring that each Veteran we serve can live a dignified and independent life in the comfort of their own home. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each Veteran, reflecting our deep commitment to their well-being.
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