Eating can be difficult for seniors with dysphagia, but it’s important for them to receive the nutrients they need to help their bodies function as normally as possible. Serving pureed foods can make mealtimes easier for caregivers and their aging loved ones. Here are some recipes for healthy pureed foods seniors with dysphagia can enjoy.
Chicken, Avocados, & Potatoes
Older adults with dysphagia may experience weakness, sensory loss, and paralysis in parts of their muscles responsible for swallowing, which increases their risk of malnutrition. However, eating pureed chicken, avocados, and potatoes can keep your loved one full and prevent him or her from experiencing extreme weight loss. The nutrients in these ingredients can ease some of the symptoms associated with dysphagia, such as infections and impaired muscle function.
Seniors who need help preparing nutritious meals should consider professional in-home care. In Harrisburg, in-home care providers can benefit aging adults in a variety of ways. From cooking nutritious meals to offering timely medication reminders, the dedicated caregivers at Home Care are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Whipped sweet potatoes are a great option for older adults with dysphagia. The potatoes need to be blended until they’re smooth and thick, and the thickness will depend on your loved one’s swallowing ability. You may need to add some seasonings and gluten-free gelatin to thicken the whipped sweet potatoes. To give this pureed dish more flavor, add a small amount of maple syrup and cinnamon to the sweet potatoes.
Blackberries, Apples, & Kale
Having difficulty swallowing doesn’t mean seniors should stop eating healthy foods and just settle for the easiest options. Aging adults need a consistent diet full of nutrients and vitamins that increase their circulation and boost their heart health. The folate, fiber, antioxidants, and water found in pureed blackberries, apples, and kale can prevent hypertension and heart disease. To prepare this recipe, simply puree a mixture of chopped kale, whole blackberries, and diced apples.
Eating nutritious foods is just one of the many ways older adults can boost their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior care. Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Pureed Tuna Salad
Seniors living with dysphagia need to eat foods that allow them to maintain a healthy weight and prevent dehydration. It’s vital that liquid doesn’t enter the lungs, but failing to eat enough water-based foods can cause dehydration. Pureed tuna salad contains a high amount of water because it’s made with celery, lettuce, onions, parsley, and tuna. The foods used in this pureed dish can boost your loved one’s brain health and lower his or her risk of hypertension. Add as many vegetables as possible to the pureed tuna salad, since these foods can reduce the production of stomach acid, which is another issue for aging adults with dysphagia.
Caring for older adults with acute or chronic health issues can be challenging for family caregivers. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Harrisburg, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Home Care at (717) 540-4663 today.