5 Tips for Caregivers - How to Nourish Your Loved One
Picture this - you had someone who cared for you throughout childhood and early adulthood. They may have even helped care for your young children as they grew. Now, this person is changing. Maybe they look thinner, frailer, or have difficulty getting from place to place. You are worried that they may fall and break a bone. You are worried that the food you brought the week before is still sitting in the fridge. This is an all too common story for so many caregivers around the world. You are not alone. But there are things you can do to be proactive in caring for your loved one. In this article, I will share my 5 tips for caregivers - how to nourish your loved one.
#1 - Batch Cook and Freeze Individual-Sized Portions
Batch cooking can be an incredibly effective tool for saving you both time and a headache when planning meals for your aging loved one. One idea is spending one day a month making meals that can be frozen in individual portions. In doing so, your loved one can simply take one out of the freezer, reheat, and enjoy. No extra energy is required! And these ideas are oh-so delicious!
Mini Quiche
Casseroles and Shepherd's Pie
Pot Pies
Chili and Soups
Roasted Meats
Lasagna
Enchiladas
#2 - Consider Nourishing Snack Foods
For many reasons, our appetite can change with age. Whether it be related to loss of sense of smell, taste, sight, or decreased activity levels, it is very common for older adults to have a smaller appetite than in their younger years. This may lead to skipping meals or eating very small portion sizes at meals.
If you are finding that your loved one is eating less at meals, one suggestion is to move away from the typical three meals a day eating pattern. Instead, split meals into 5-6 small meals or snacks daily. Keep meals and snacks simple but also packed with nutrition. Here are a few ideas:
Toast with nut butter and sliced banana
Fruit with Greek yogurt and granola
Pita bread with hummus and vegetables of choice
Hard boiled eggs with cheese and crackers
#3 - Eat Meals Regularly With Others
Eating is not simply about the foods we eat. Eating affects us emotionally, mentally, and socially as well. Consider, for a moment, a wedding, a birthday party, and a backyard BBQ. What do you think these events all have in common? That’s right! Food and the company of others! If you think a little further about events you have been to in the past – Did you eat well at these events, or did you refuse to eat anything? Most likely the answer is that you ate fairly well, and you may even remember the foods served!
Oftentimes older adults may eat alone, which can cause loneliness and a reduced appetite. My suggestion? If this sounds like something your loved one is experiencing, reach out to others and see if they would like to have meals together. There are also groups all around the city and towns that have meal socials your loved one can attend, to make new friends.
#4 - Seek Help When You First Become Concerned
Navigating health concerns with aging loved ones can be downright confusing. The internet can only provide so many clues as to how to help someone as they get older. The best thing to do is to seek help, as soon as you become concerned.
Talk with your loved one's Family Doctor about:
Any frailty concerns and symptoms they are experiencing.
Reviewing their current medication list for safety.
Increasing physical activity.
Request a referral to an Occupational Therapist if you are concerned about activities of daily living (walking, getting groceries, cooking).
Request a referral to a Physical Therapist if you are concerned about mobility and strength.
Talk with your loved one's Dentist/Denturist about any dental changes that are affecting their ability to chew the foods they enjoy.
Talk to a Registered Dietitian about:
Concerns with weight loss
Concerns with eating less than usual
Concerns with avoiding foods either due to chewing difficulty or intolerance/allergy.
Concerns with getting groceries or preparing meals.
If you would like to find a Registered Dietitian in Alberta, you can find a few sources here.
tips for caregivers - how to nourish your loved one
#5 - Utilize Your Support System
Being the main caregiver for your loved one can be exhausting and, at times, may feel like it takes more time than you can give. Reaching out to others can be very helpful. Chances are there is more than one person that wants to help you and care for your loved one. It can feel frustrating when it feels like you are the only one caring for your loved one. And this may seem like a silly suggestion, but while people may know your struggles with providing care, they may feel that it is not their place to help unless specifically asked. Seeking support from your support system can help you greatly with coping and providing care.
Other Family Members such as siblings and your children.
Home Care Supports:
Alberta Health Services - Home Care Referral Program
Companies that provide home care services and supports.
Where can I get more support with nutrition for my loved one?
If you would like to learn more tips for caregivers and how to nourish your loved one, I am happy to help! I offer a Living in Place Blueprint for caregivers, which includes an in-depth assessment of a nutrition risk screening, a nutrition-focused physical exam, full diet analysis, nutrition recommendations, education, and goal setting. The focus will be on how best to support your loved one to stay in their home and lead a healthier, happier life.
Read more about my services here: 1:1 Coaching
If you would like to book your free 15-minute discovery call with me, you can do so here.
Book Your Free 15-Minute Discovery Call
And remember to check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered for Registered Dietitian Services through your plan or health spending account. Dietitian services are also tax deductible!