As a senior gets older, you may notice they start eating less. This can be for several reasons, they may have trouble swallowing, tasting, or they may just forget to eat regularly. If you have parents who cannot swallow well, it is important to find healthy foods that are easy to eat. Not all healthy foods are easy to swallow, which might deter your seniors from eating. Sometimes you may not have enough time to go grocery shopping or check in on your parents. This can be a problem. One of the best ways to avoid that problem is by hiring companion care at home services for your parents. Companion care at home can help transport your parents to and from places, meaning they can shop for easy-to-eat foods without you.
Companion care at home providers can be one of the best investments you make for your family. They take care of your seniors when you are not available and ensure they remain social every day. One thing you will notice is that these caregivers will come up with a care plan that helps your seniors live independently. Your parents will not have to feel like a burden to you and can remain healthy without your help.
If you have been searching for easy-to-eat foods that seniors can purchase on their own or with the help of caregivers, this list is for you. Before you come up with a list of easy-to-eat foods, you should make sure you understand what the problem is. If a senior is not eating because they forget to eat, these foods won’t help them. However, if a senior is having a hard time swallowing, this is the food list for them. If a senior is struggling to eat, they should mention this to their healthcare provider. Doctors may have certain tips or medications that will help a senior be able to eat easier, or they may recommend surgery for an individual too.
Here are some easy-to-eat foods to consider buying for your seniors and having companion care at home aides prepare for them.
Canned Fruits
Many people love to snack on apples and things like peaches, but they aren’t always the easiest to swallow. If a senior is craving fruit, try out canned fruit. Since it is canned it is thick with syrup and can be easier to swallow. If a senior wants apples try low sugar or sugar free apple sauce. The apples are naturally sweet so finding a sugar free alternative can be healthier. This is the perfect solution for seniors who need to add in more fruits to their diet but can’t swallow well.
Soft Noodles
Foods like mac and cheese, perogies, or even pesto pasta can be easy to eat. Instead of using long noodles try out short noodles or bowties. Cook them until they are nice and soft. This is something that can be tasty but also easy to swallow. It will slide down without getting stuck in a seniors throat making it a perfect meal.
Hard Boiled Eggs
Although the word hard is in this food, hard boiled eggs are actually easier to eat. Depending on how a senior likes their eggs they can be cooked for various lengths of time to get different yolks in the middle.