Happy Thanksgiving!
Holidays with Senior Loved Ones.
Millions of families across the country are preparing for Thanksgiving. It is a gathering tradition that we all love. It is a time where we “catch up” with family, friends and neighbors. For families with an aging loved one, it is also a time we are keenly aware, that “mom or “dad” are not as physically capable, independent, or lucid as before.
If you have an aging loved one who will be with you this Thanksgiving Day, consider a few helpful hints below that could make it a thankful day for all.
Preparing meals for seniors
There are some things you should know about preparing meals for seniors. The first thing is that seniors do not metabolize food in the same way that they once did. And what’s more, their taste buds might not be as sensitive to flavors as in years past. In fact, you might want to think about preparing something special for your loved one, to cater to his or her changing dietary habits and needs.
- Make food that is easy to chew and swallow. Dentures and reduced saliva production might make tough and dry foods difficult.
- Use less salt. You don’t want to cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure or worsen water retention. Remember, you can always salt the food on your own plate later.
- Add more seasoning. To make up for the lower salt, aging taste buds and the dulling affect of some prescription medications, use savory, but not spicy, seasonings to provide more flavor.
- Use recipes rich with nutrition. Seniors need to eat food that is high in nutritional content and calories to make up for their often reduced appetites. www.nutritiondata.com is a good source for information on the nutritional and caloric content of food. Take a moment to ask your loved one what they enjoy eating these days. If they always loved a particular dish, ask them if they still do. Ask them if there is anything they don’t like.
Keeping an eye out for hints of dementia
Early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s are often first detected or otherwise confirmed at holiday family gatherings. This might be for the simple reason that it is the only time of year the whole family gets together. It might also be that with distant relatives around, and a disruption to the everyday routines, the conditions are optimal for noticing memory loss. If you know your loved one is challenged with some form of dementia, the suggestions below could help provide a pleasant time together for all.
- Stick with the familiar and maintain routines. Avoid strange and noisy restaurants.
- Keep your gathering small, so as not to confuse your loved one with unfamiliar faces.
- Focus on the old memories. Short-term memory is usually the most affected with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Ask them questions about their childhood and younger days. They just might surprise you with what they remember and you might learn something new about your loved one.
Source from: Maine Senior Guide–Holidays with Seniors: A Successful Thanksgiving