Ensure foods are enjoyable to eat, digestible, and not a choking hazard. As one approaches end of life, life becomes small. Eating is one of the few pleasures that these people get. Tasty food is very important for the quality of life of seniors.
Unfortunately assisted living and hospice residences are not well known for their food. Speak with the kitchen and find out how the dependent senior can get foods they love and look forward to.
Avoid processed foods.
Check with the dependent senior’s doctor to see if supplements are required. Make sure they get enough:
- Iron
- Spinach, sweet potatoes, asparagus, tomatoes, beets, kale, cereals, pork, red meat, poultry, fish, beans and eggs
- Magnesium
- Almonds, spinach, whole grains, cashews, peanuts, fortified breakfast cereals, black beans, peanut butter, avocado, dark chocolate, brown rice, plain yogurt, banana, kidney beans, salmon, chicken, broccoli, apples, tofu
- Zinc
- Cashews, chickpeas, yogurt, milk products, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, whole grains, seafood, poultry, eggs, beans and peas, oysters, red meat.
- Selenium
- Eggs, brown rice, mushrooms, grain products, dairy products, nuts, seeds, seafood, read meat, poultry, spinach
- Manganese
- Brown rice, wheat, barley, rye, quinoa, oats, garlic
- Iodine
- Seafood, grains, eggs, red meat, poultry, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, lima beans
- Calcium
- Greek yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, leafy greens, almonds, oranges, salmon
- Vitamin D
- Whole grains, red meat, seafood, poultry, dairy products, fortified cereals, spinach, oranges
- Vitamin E
- Nuts, seeds, avocado, cereals, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, lettuce (not iceburg), onions
- Vitamin K
- Eggs, read meat, tuna, kiwi, avocado, rhubarb, kale, broccoli, spinach, asperagus
- Protein intake is very important to prevent muscle loss
- Poultry, seafood, pork, eggs, kidney/chickpeas, peanut butter, veggie burgers, tofu
- Fibre
- Oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains
- Water
- Eight 8 ounce glasses a day (no drinking within 3 hours of bedtime)