The home health care environment is the ideal place to watch the food intake of an elderly loved one. Aside from any food allergies or dietary restrictions imposed by a client’s health care provider, there are a number of foods that the senior population should also avoid due to other health and safety issues. As we age, our bodies aren’t able to process foods like they could in our younger years and some seniors will find that there are many foods that just do not sit well with them. Here are some of the foods that caregivers providing home health care should be mindful of when providing meal preparation services for their client.
Foods that contain ‘empty calories’
Because seniors are less active than the younger population, their bodies require less food, whose calories are later turned into energy for activities. Junk foods should be avoided because of their high fat, calorie, and sugar content – also known as ‘empty calories’. Empty calories are calories that have no nutritional value.
Foods with a high sodium content
Even if they are not on a restricted sodium diet, seniors should avoid foods with a high sodium content due to the increased risk for elevated blood pressure and the host of maladies that can accompany it. Caregivers should also be aware of foods with hidden sodium content. These foods are foods that one doesn’t normally consider as ’salty’ – such as certain types of breads.
Fried foods
Fried foods contain high levels of LDL or ‘bad cholesterol’. An elevated cholesterol level can present a host of health problems in the elderly and make them susceptible to strokes and heart attacks.
Raw or undercooked foods
This doesn’t mean to just thoroughly cook a senior’s foods. There are a number of foods that aren’t supposed to be cooked that can lead to a variety of food borne illnesses due to the presence of germs and bacteria. Some common food products where bacteria is prevalent are:
- soft cheeses such as feta, Brie, and Camembert
- egg products like cake batter, cookie dough, sauces, and eggnog
- raw fish products such as sushi
- hot dogs
- non-pasteurized milk, milk products, and juices
- fresh vegetables and fruits that have not been thoroughly cleaned
The reason that raw or undercooked foods pose a health risk in seniors is because a reduction in stomach acid occurs as the body ages. Instead of being broken down by the stomach acid, the bacteria is able to reach the small intestine where most gastrointestinal issues occur.
It should be easier for a senior receiving home health care to eat a healthy diet due to the experience, mobility and motivation of the caregiver.
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