Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Nutritious Meals for Elderly Stroke Survivors


For many seniors, losing their appetite is normal after experiencing a stroke. However, eating healthy foods is an important part of recovery, and it can also reduce the risk of another stroke. Here are some nutritious meal options senior stroke survivors should try. 

Skinless Chicken

Reducing your elderly loved one’s saturated fat intake is a good way to help him or her recover from a stroke. Saturated fat is one of the main causes of heart disease, and eating too much of it can also lead to obesity. Your loved one should avoid eating chicken with the skin as well as fried chicken and opt for baked chicken instead. 
Switching to nutritious meals is one of the many ways older adults can maintain their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Prescott, AZ, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Baked Fish 

A stroke can negatively impact your loved one’s brain. The brain controls emotions and behaviors, and it needs regular stimulation to function properly. Baked fish is a good meal choice for seniors when recovering from a stroke because it contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a nutrient that is essential to brain health. DHA is necessary for brain development and for protecting the brain during and after a stroke. Fish is one of the very few foods that contain DHA, which is why it should be included in your loved one’s diet. 

Salad

Some senior stroke survivors should eat meatless entrees while on the road to recovery. Cauliflower baked pasta salad and quinoa Greek salad are two options your loved one might enjoy. Salads are full of leafy greens and other vegetables that are rich in nutrients. Make sure to add avocado oil or vinaigrette to your loved one’s salads at mealtime. Consuming a small amount of vinaigrette each day could reduce the risk of heart disease. Avoiding high-calorie toppings and dressings with high-fat content can help your loved one lose weight and keep his or her blood and oxygen flowing normally. 
Seniors who need help preparing nutritious meals can benefit from professional in-home care. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Prescott seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers. 

Smoothie 

Many senior stroke survivors have difficulty chewing and swallowing food, which can lead to malnutrition. It is important your loved one gets the nutrition he or she needs to maintain heart health and prevent a recurrent stroke. Eating foods that are easy to chew and swallow can also help with oral health. Smoothies full of fruits and vegetables can provide your loved one with nutrients that boost circulation and prevent clogged arteries and other issues that increase the risk of a second stroke. 

Soup

Low-sodium soups provide elderly stroke survivors with fiber and several essential nutrients. A meal high in fiber can lower your loved one’s blood cholesterol, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Seniors recovering from strokes need to eat homemade soups instead of canned soups.
Some of the soups your loved one should eat include:
  • Chicken noodle soup
  • Butternut soup (No fat or sugar added)
  • Lentil vegetable soup
  • Southwestern soup
Senior stroke survivors can speed up the recovery process and prevent further strokes by making healthy lifestyle changes. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits, consider hiring a professional elderly caregiver. Prescott families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide dedicated and compassionate in-home caregivers who are trained in our holistic Balanced Care Method, which was designed to encourage seniors to exercise often, eat nutritious foods, maintain strong social ties, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To learn about our premier home care plans, call one of our professional Care Managers at 928-771-0105 today.
Visit our website today @ www.homecareassistanceprescott.com 

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