Meal Planning for Seniors

As we age, our bodies go through many changes that are inevitable.  The very best thing we can do to keep the changes to a minimum or prevent progression of the diseases we already have is to eat right.  Now the challenges with this occur with life changes.  A hospitalization or injury that was unexpected which prevents us from performing certain tasks, an onset of depression caused from this illness or losing a significant other, or a pandemic that isolates us from the outside world.

Our diet should contain certain things to maintain our strength and endurance, prevent disease progression, maintain cognitive abilities, and prevent new health problems.  The diet should include protein to maintain muscle mass, and also foods containing vitamins, minerals and fiber.  Stay away from foods containing added sugar, saturated fats and sodium.  Hydration is also very important to keep your body functioning normally.

Here's some helpful tips to help with meal planning:

•  If you are still independent with meal planning it would mean that you could independently go to the grocery store and come home and prepare your meals.
• Maybe you need a little assistance and can no longer drive.  You will need assistance from a loved one or a caregiver to take you grocery shopping and some assistance with preparing your meals.  At this level you could prepare ahead of time with meals that can be heated in the microwave at mealtime.
• If you are unable to participate any longer with meal planning you can hire a caregiver who will perform all of the duties. If recently discharged from a hospital stay either the social worker at the hospital during discharge planning will put you in touch with Meals on Wheels or will have made a referral to a home care agency that will have a social worker who can put in place the services you will need at home.  Meals on Wheels is a program set up for seniors that are over 60, and homebound.  They are provided with three meals per day for 5 days a week.  This service is provided on a sliding scale and at times can be completely free.  www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org. 
• Another resource that your social worker can assist you with upon discharge from hospital is called Mom’s Meals.  You do need a referring provider or social worker.  They serve clients with Medicare advantage plans (managed medicare), Medicaid, LTSS program (a homecare and institutional Medicaid who have physical or cognitive disabilities),  and also self pay.  They offer meals based on health conditions and are affordable at $6.99 per meal.
• Lastly, seniors who reside outside of their homes in either an Assisted Living environment or a nursing home will get their three meals per day and snacks provided by the facility.

Hydration

Hydration can also be challenging for seniors for a few reasons.  One reason is that seniors lose the sense to drink,  and the second reason is due to mobility issues such as not wanting to get up to go to the bathroom especially during hours of sleep.  Here are a few helpful hints:

• Try to drink your liquids with you meals and an additional 48 ounces of water in between
• To make it easier, purchase a water bottle that holds at least 24 ounces of water.  You can have your family or caregiver fill it up for you to keep next to you without having to get up
• Avoid excess liquids after dinner to avoid having to go to the bathroom during sleep.