What your aging parent eats is a major part of keeping them healthy, and this is particularly important for those elderly adults who are dealing with diabetes. This serious condition is related to the level of sugar in the blood and relates strongly to their nutrition. From trimming down the amount of actual sugar that they eat to making sure that they have the right balance of other nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, and fiber, eating a balanced diet can help your parent manage their diabetes effectively while also keeping their body healthier and protected from other health complications as well.
Try these nutrition tips for your elderly loved one as they manage their diabetes:
- Do not think deprivation. It is much more difficult to handle a change in their life when your parent thinks that they are being deprived or that something is being “taken” from them. Rather than emphasizing changes that make them seem like they are being deprived, instead emphasize changes that are healthier and bring additional variety into their diet.
- Have occasional treats. Do not eliminate all forms of treats or “unhealthy” foods if it is too difficult for your parent. Emphasize clean, healthy eating the majority of the time and still give occasional treats once a week or however fits well into your parent’s schedule.
- Divide their plate. Focus on servings of foods that will help them to get what they need without having to think about it too extensively. Divide their plate so that half of the plate is filled with non-starchy vegetables, one-quarter is filled with a whole grain, and the final quarter is filled with a lean protein.
- Get accustomed to servings. Most people are not aware of the actual size of a serving and eat several times more food than they should. Work on getting accustomed to what actual serving sizes look like by measuring food at each meal until you can visualize a real serving size. You can also use visual reminders, such as keeping a serving of lean protein smaller than the palm of their hand.
Starting home care for your aging parent can be a fantastic way to help them to manage their individual health challenges and complications in the way that is right for them so that they are able to achieve and maintain a high quality of life as they age in place. An in-home senior care services provider can be with your aging parent on a fully customized schedule that ensures that they are with your parent when they need them and that your loved one will get the level of care, support, and assistance that is right for them. This includes devising a highly personalized set of services tailored specifically to the challenges and limitations that your aging parent faces, as well as their lifestyle goals and preferences. With this type of care, your parent is able to live the type of life that they desire and deserve while getting all of the care that they need to handle health issues such as diabetes and supporting independence and fulfillment. Even if your aging parent does not have extensive needs, this care provider can give them care and support that helps them to save energy, maximize their efforts, and live the best quality of life possible. When this comes to helping them eat a healthier diet, this care provider can research recipes with your loved one, bring them to the grocery store to choose the foods that are right for them, and even get in the kitchen with them to help them prepare meals and snacks that support their health.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in McClean, VA, contact the caring staff at Access Home Care Inc. Proudly Serving Northern Virginia and Surroundings for over 12 years. Call Us: (703) 765-9350
Sources:
http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics/?referrer=https://www.google.com/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20033091
http://www.diabeticlivingonline.com/food-to-eat/nutrition/5-healthy-eating-tips-diabetes
“My desire to enter into nursing started when one of my older sisters died of kidney disease due to lack of care. At age 15, I decided to enter into nursing so that I could provide quality care to patients.Upon arrival in United States at 21 years of age, I enrolled in T.C Willliams School of Practical Nursing while working as a nursing assistant at a nursing home. I also worked as a part-time home health aide to take of the elderly. After completion of my practical nurse education, I worked in geriatric psychiatry unit at Dominion Hospital and Arlington Correctional facility mental health unit.
I completed Marymount University in 2001 and entered into Home Care as a field case manager.
I held that position for 2 years and as an Administrator, and for another 2 years until Access Home Care was found in 2004."
Today, Access Home Care has over 300 employees and 286 clients.
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