At the end of the day, many people like getting off work and enjoying a beer or glass of wine. However, this is not the best way for a senior to end the day. They should not be drinking alcoholic beverages. But sometimes, they like the routine of sitting down with a drink the most because it gives them a sense of calm, knowing the day is over. So, what can home care providers prepare for a senior instead of an alcoholic beverage?
There are tons of drinks that a senior can use in place of alcohol, and home care can help them with this task. Here are four drinks to end the day with as a senior.
Hot Chocolate
If you’re looking for ways to add in some extra protein, drinking a glass of milk can be an essential part of the day. So, hit two birds with one stone, ditch the alcohol and get enough protein with milk! Hot chocolate can be the best way to relax after a long day. Hot chocolate can be a good choice for seniors as it provides warmth, comfort, and hydration and may offer a dose of antioxidants from cocoa that could contribute to heart and brain health. However, opting for low-sugar or sugar-free options and considering individual dietary needs is important. If your loved one needs help preparing this drink, it may be something home care can help your loved one with.
Non-Alcoholic Spritzer
A spritzer drink is a beverage made by mixing a base liquid, typically wine or sparkling water, with a syrup or flavor, creating a refreshing and often lower-alcohol option compared to a full-strength cocktail or beverage. Instead of alcohol, you can use soda water, juice, and herbs to create a yummy drink to sip after dinner. This will provide the feeling of drinking a cocktail, but instead, the herbs will provide antioxidants, and the entire drink will provide a senior with much-needed hydration after a long day.
Lemonade With Spices
Instead of drinking a cocktail, use lemonade as a base. You can add honey and spices to give it a bold and unique flavor. The nice thing about this drink is that if your senior is feeling down or has a sore throat, the honey can help soothe them. Lemons are good for the body as they are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds, which support immune function, aid digestion, and may have anti-inflammatory properties. If your senior wants to avoid the sugar in lemonade, you can use fresh lemons and hot or cold water. Home care can squeeze the fresh lemon into a cup for your loved one.
Cinnamon Tea or Cold Iced Tea
If your loved one loves a cocktail but also a hot drink, they should opt for a cup of tea at the end of the night. Cinnamon tea is not too sweet and will help your seniors get the bitterness they would receive from a cocktail. Cinnamon is good for the body due to its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and its potential role in improving heart health and aiding digestion. If your senior does not want to drink hot tea, they may like having iced tea, especially during summer! This is a good alternative to a Long Island iced tea which contains alcohol.