The AFC program is a program for adults age 18 and older with a developmental, intellectual, physical or mental disability who cannot live alone safely. AFC Adults live with trained paid caregivers who provide daily care.
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For Caregivers
If you are currently taking care of a family member in your house, they might qualify for Adult Foster Care program. This service is a MassHealth funded program for individuals 16 years old and other in need of daily help to complete their ADL’s.
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Careers / Employment
Make a difference in the lives of others every day! We are currently have job opening for Administrative Support (Full-Time), RN (Fee for Service), and Care Manager (Fee for Service) for our Adult Foster Care program. Please in the subject section let us know which position you are applying for.
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Referrals
Rivers of Hope is focused on serving all individuals and families who require our services. So, if you have someone in mind who can benefit from our services, provide us with the opportunity to serve them. Refer them now.
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ADULT FOSTER CARE PROGRAM
The AFC program is a program for adults age 18 and older with a developmental, intellectual, physical or mental disability who cannot live alone safely. AFC Adults live with trained paid caregivers who provide daily care.
Submit Your Referrals! Know someone who needs our help?
More benefits of drinking water than just quenching thirst. Given that our bodies contain roughly 60% water, maintaining hydration is beneficial to our health. Your body needs water to maintain a healthy temperature, transport nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body, flush out waste, safeguard your organs, and keep your joints flexible. Water is lost by our bodies during routine activity. We must replenish this every day by consuming enough water. Your body will try to cool itself by losing more water while it’s hot outside. You should therefore consume a lot of water during the summer.
What consequences does dehydration have?
If you lose more water than you are consuming, you risk becoming dehydrated. Headaches may result from even minor dehydration. Excessive thirst, weariness, disorientation, and confusion are some more symptoms. Many dehydration symptoms might not show up until you’ve lost a significant amount of water. Being proactive and consuming lots of water throughout the day is your best bet. If you experience confusion or dizziness, seek immediate medical attention. If you’re going swimming, drink plenty of water to prevent cramps.
When is enough water enough?
There isn’t a secret number. Each person has unique demands. It also depends on whether you’re engaged in a sweat-inducing activity or are outside on a hot day.
The bottom line is to hydrate when you’re thirsty and to do so even more so when you’re perspiring. Although the daily recommended amount of water varies from person to person, the general rule is to consume at least 8 glasses of water each day, according to health officials (with a glass being 8 fluid ounces).
To help you drink more water, try these suggestions:
Give your water some taste. Consider adding some fresh fruit, such as lime, strawberries, or lemon. Slices of cucumber and herbs like mint, basil, or lavender can also be used to add flavor.
Diluted sweet beverages. Juice, lemonade, or iced tea can be made sweeter by adding water and a lot of ice.
Rather than soda, choose sparkling water. Don’t want the sugar shock but still want the bubbles? The calories in sparkling water are 0.
Consume foods that are high in water. Cucumbers (96% water), zucchini (95% water), watermelon (92% water), and grapefruit are among the best choices (91 percent water).
Feeling hungry? Drink first. Try some water before you reach for a snack. Your body may have confused being hungry with being thirsty.
Carry a reusable water bottle. And refill it often. Bottles marked with ounces can help you keep track of how much you’re drinking each day. Plus, they’re much better for the environment than single-use plastic bottles.
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after a workout. The American Council on Exercise has some guidelines.
It’s already July, which means this 4th of July weekend will be filled with fun, family, and fireworks. But Independence Day might be a little bittersweet for elderly people who have trouble living independently. Age-related challenges can make it difficult for many seniors, particularly those who need in-home care, to completely enjoy the holiday.
Our commitment to our customers’ happiness and our love for this magnificent country go hand in hand. No matter their age or any challenges that come with their senior years, we think all Americans should be able to fully enjoy the Fourth of July. Every July, our caregivers assist in making our Rivers of Hopes clients holidays more enjoyable. We would be honored to assist you in providing the same care for an older family member.
Beat the Independence Day Heat
Nothing says America quite like a backyard 4th of July celebration with close friends and family, cold sodas and hot dogs fresh from the grill, warm summer sun, and red, white, and blue fireworks. However, like with any summertime outdoor event, heat and sun exposure can mount up, especially for elderly people and anyone receiving home care from their loved ones.
Every time you host an outdoor summer party, make sure your elderly loved ones are well-shaded and well-hydrated. Also, make sure they have access to a nice, air-conditioned space where they may relax and cool off.
Make Seniors Comfortable
It’s crucial that senior family members feel at ease if you’re organizing an outdoor celebration. After all, if they don’t have the opportunity to rest and relax a little bit, even the healthiest seniors can experience joint pain or tiredness.
A sturdy, high-quality movable chair can be a godsend for seniors, particularly for those who need in-home care due to physical age-related challenges. “Be sure to have your loved one test his or her chair in advance for comfort and to keep it available for them throughout the event.”
Rivers of Hope 4th of July Activities
Some elderly people simply don’t have the stamina or energy to enjoy a lengthy Fourth of July gathering outside. Others might not feel at ease in a busy, active, and unsettling environment, such as individuals who need home care for memory impairments.
Get in touch with Rivers of Hope, if you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Home Care Services in Fall River, MA, call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at +1 (508) 857-0629. Providing Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. riversofhopes.com
Father’s Day can be made even more enjoyable with senior-friendly activities.
Spending quality time with the significant man (or men) in your life is a considerate approach to show him how much you care on Father’s Day.
We’ve compiled a list of 16 fun Father’s Day activities for seniors that will appeal to a wide range of interests and abilities to assist you in planning something he’ll like.
9 engagements for senior citizens who enjoy going out
These nine activities are ideal for senior citizens who enjoy getting out of the house. They can be done in groups with family and friends or individually for some quality time.
Play a round of mini golf (or regular golf).
In the backyard, play activities like cornhole, horseshoes, lawn bowling, bocce ball, or lawn darts.
Enjoy a casual meal at their favorite restaurant (consider sitting outside or ordering takeaway when Covid-19 cases are on the rise) or a picnic or BBQ at a nearby park.
Take a walk at the park, on an easy hiking trail, or around the neighborhood to enjoy nature.
Bring a sports enthusiast to a live game – whether it’s a local or national team, it’ll be a blast.
To savor the arts or take in some scenery, go to a local museum, photographic show, or well-known tourism point.
Attend a local auto event to see classic vehicles, muscle cars, or anything else that makes your engine rev!
Give him a soothing massage or a traditional professional shave and haircut.
Take a stroll in a retail mall. They’re relaxing areas where you may talk, people watch, and do some shopping. There are also numerous restrooms, seating places, and food and beverage options.
Get in touch with Rivers of Hope, if you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Home Care Services in Fall River, MA, call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. Providing Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. riversofhopes.com
Find out how we can help make 2022 the greatest year yet for a senior you love!
Stories foster community and bring us together (even if we can’t be physically present). Stories are a terrific way to learn about and engage with others, whether you’re a group of friends, a neighborhood community, or an organization. Remember that everyone has various interests, technology access, and comfort levels as you plan. The finest activities for sharing are ones that make individuals feel encouraged and at ease.
Start with these suggestions:
Make arrangements for senior citizens to share or read stories. Call a community center or a group to see if they’d like elderly people to share their experiences in a workshop. Alternatively, investigate if a local school would like to sponsor a “Senior Day” where older persons speak to pupils, or call libraries to arrange for older adults to read to young children.
Arrange for local kids to conduct interviews with senior citizens in the neighborhood and create brief biographies. Plan a program where students read their stories aloud. Make an invitation to your local newspaper, weblog, or radio station.
Host a storytelling party using video chat technology. Give each individual five minutes to deliver a story based on a subject or question.
Select a theme or question and give each person five minutes to tell a story that relates to it. Check out this Great Questions list from StoryCorps for ideas.
Ask your social media followers to share their wisdom, tips, and stories online using a unique hashtag or by posting to a forum you manage. Be sure to provide guidance (e.g., length), what you’d most like to hear, and a contact person for questions.
Organize a selfie challenge on social media. Create a theme phrase (e.g., “Aging my way means…”) and use a related hashtag (e.g., #OlderAmericansMonth, #AgeMyWay). Ask community members to fill in the blank and take a photo holding a paper with the sentence, and then post on social media using your hashtag. You can even design a simple template with the phrase that can be printed out to make it easier to join in.
Events
A unique OAM event is a wonderful way to commemorate, share information, and engage with people of the community. This type of activity can be done in a variety of ways, many of which can be done electronically. For any event, always observe local health and safety regulations. Our event planning tips can help you think through the process no matter the size of your group or the style of your event.
Start with these suggestions:
Set up a game night. You can either plan ahead of time the games to play or have everyone bring their favorite to share with the group. Play games for people of all ages and abilities to create an inclusive environment. Prizes or prizes can add to the enjoyment of the event.
Organize a musical performance. Music has the ability to connect, heal, and bring joy to people. Hire a band and allow participants demonstrate their musical abilities, or simply play songs from an app and let everyone make requests. Consider employing a theme or genre to organize the event.
Organize a lesson, workshop, or presentation on issues of interest to senior citizens. For example, to develop balance and strength, you may hold a class.
Or, try teaching community members something new – how to find local resources, how to engage through technology, or how start a new career or hobby. If possible, have an older adult lead the workshop.
Host a fundraising event, like a community walk or bake off, to benefit local programs or centers that serve older adults. No matter the format, be sure to promote the work of individuals and organizations that support older adults in your area. This is not only nice for those recognized, but also creates awareness about available resources. For a fundraising event, raffles and contests work well to engage attendees.
Group Project
Organize a project where individuals can contribute separately before their effort is combined to make the final masterpiece to celebrate and engage with your community. This is a fantastic method to create something to display in person or online. Consider surveying your participants to determine where their abilities and interests lay before deciding on a project.
Start with these suggestions:
Create a physical or virtual bulletin board with photographs, jokes, quotes, and/or positive news. This project works well with the selfie challenge idea mentioned earlier (under Stories). Printouts can be put to the board whether they are completed online or in person.
Plant a flower or produce a communal garden. Alternatively, provide seeds and a pot for participants to plant at home. Collect all of the potted plants afterwards and exhibit them as a single giant container garden.
Create a mosaic art project, a painted rock garden, or a mural in which each participant may add their own personal touch. Don’t have access to a permanent changeable space? Instead, use canvases. Search “mini canvas collage” to spark your creativity.
Coordinate one or a series of community betterment activities. There are numerous options for activities, from picking up litter to collecting donations for those in need. Find more inspiration from Create the Good Project Ideas.
Get in touch with Rivers of Hope, if you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Home Care Services in Fall River, MA. Call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. We provide Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. Visit riversofhopes.com to learn more about us.
Organizing Your Care When You’re Caring for Others’
Caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
should manage their stress to avoid burnout and maintain their productivity.
High caregiving optimism
What is Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia?
Memory loss and other mental abilities are referred to as dementia.
that are severe enough to cause problems in everyday life Physical factors are to blame.
The most frequent type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.
People have trouble recalling recent events, names, and places.
conversations. It is an incurable and progressive sickness that will finally kill you.
Memory, mental process, judgment, and behavior are all affected.
Challenges involved in caring for someone with these and other conditions
Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia can cause special challenges for the caregiver
COMMUNICATION
Communication can be particularly difficult.
between the caregiver and the patient
and perseverance Because one person
Alzheimer’s or dementia patients may not be able to.
remembering names, talks, or situations
They may ask questions again,
are having trouble finding the proper words,
They are prone to losing their stream of thinking and
Less frequent communication
BEHAVIORS
Alzheimer’s or dementia patients
Dementia can cause changes in behavior.
depression, agitation, and others
Aggression, befuddlement, and suspicion
Caregivers can maintain their composure.
patient and accepting of behaviors
in order to work more effectively
throughout it
LOSS OF MEMORY
Early on, memory loss may be minor.
phases of the disease, but as it develops,
Likewise, the degree of memory loss will increase.
Caregivers have a bad reputation.
name, not being acknowledged, and many other things
People lose their memories.
Stress management for caregivers
Providing care for people in these and other situations
Conditions can be both rewarding and difficult.
simultaneously. Caregivers must exercise caution.
take care of themselves so that they can stay hopeful
To provide proper care, you must be energetic and optimistic.
Stress symptoms in caregivers (womenshealth.gov)
Overwhelmed, frustrated, and enraged
Making errors while providing care
Sense of being alone, isolated, or abandoned
Insufficiency of sleep
Sleeping excessively
Significant weight gain or loss
Consistently feeling fatigued
Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
Getting agitated easily
Constantly concerned or depressed
Frequent headaches or body aches
Tips for self-care and stress management
It is critical for caregivers to look after themselves.
even while caring, both physically and emotionally
for others. Finding the time to care for yourself with
proper nutrition, exercise and sleep—as well as getting
support from family and friends will help caregivers
relieve stress and can prevent burnout.
Physical ways to manage stress
Get regular exercise
Participate in extracurricular
Activities
Eat a balanced diet
Pamper yourself
Meditate
Stay on track of your own health
Get plenty of sleep
Get regular doctor check ups
Mental/Emotional ways to manage stress
Talk with supportive friends
Get support from family
Members
Celebrate small victories
Applaud your own efforts
Enjoy a good laugh
Join a caregiver support group
Get help when you need it
Set routines and stay organized
Get in touch with Rivers of Hope, if you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Home Care Services in Fall River, MA. Call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. We provide Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. Visit riversofhopes.com to learn more about us.
Besides February revolving around Valentine’s Day, it also happens to be American Heart Month, so there’s no better time than now to focus on treating your heart right. The best way to prevent things like stroke and heart disease isn’t complicated or hard — it’s simply to eat a balanced diet. Here are five quick and easy ways to start eating better for your heart.
1. Cook with beans and legumes.
Beans and legumes are nutritional powerhouses, whether you select chickpeas, lentils, or black beans. Beans and lentils can help satiate hunger, lessen post-meal blood sugar swings, feed the beneficial bacteria in our digestive tracts, and reduce cholesterol.
2. Add an avocado.
Despite the fact that avocados are high in fat, the bulk of these lipids are unsaturated fats, which are good for your heart. They can even help lower bad cholesterol when consumed as part of a healthy diet, according to a recent study. So go ahead and have that avocado toast, a smoothie with a few slices, or a chocolaty Valentine’s Day dessert with a few slices — and feel good about that second helping.
3. Be mindful of salt.
Too much salt in the diet has been associated with a higher risk of heart disease in studies. When cooking, you can reduce the amount of salt you need by adding other flavors, such as garlic and freshly ground pepper, to your cuisine.
4. Love your berries.
The compounds that contribute to the deep pigmentation of blackberries, cranberries, raspberries, and blueberries can improve the elasticity of arteries, which in turn may benefit blood flow to the heart. Berries are also known as one of the best sources of antioxidants, which help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Tip: Strawberries and raspberries make a regular appearance around Valentine’s Day, due to their red hue, but they aren’t always the sweetest and juiciest at this time of year since they’re out of season. Instead, reach for frozen, which is a great substitute.
5. Eat chocolate!
This is an easy one — especially since it’s Valentine’s Day. A little bit of dark chocolate (one to two ounces) may help lower blood pressure, and therefore contribute to a healthy heart.
Researching care alternatives for an aging loved one can be stressful, and deciding what is best for your family can be difficult.
Moving to a residential care facility, for example, necessitates significant lifestyle changes.
For many families, home care is the greatest option since it allows their loved one to remain in their own home and live their lives as they have done in the past. There are numerous advantages to receiving home care; we’ve listed the top ten below.
Here are 10 advantages and benefits of home care:
Comfort
Personalized Care
Faster Recovery
One-on-one Attention
Cost Effectiveness
Peace of mind
Independence
Companionship
Family Involvement
Pet Ownership
1. Comfort
The main advantage of home care is that it allows your loved one to remain in the environment that is most comfortable and familiar to them. They can sleep in their own beds, use their own bathrooms, and go about their daily activities without interruption. For those suffering from increasing memory disorders such as dementia, being in familiar settings might be extremely helpful.
2. Personalized Care
A home care plan is tailored to your family’s needs rather than conforming to the schedules and routines of a care facility. Whether your loved one merely wants assistance for a few hours a day or requires full-time live-in care, home care is adaptable to each client’s needs.
3. Faster Recovery
Patients recover from surgery and sickness faster and more successfully in the comfort of their own homes, according to research. They also had a lower risk of infection from germ exposure in a medical facility, as well as fewer hospital readmissions.
4. One-on-one Attention
Because of the intimate nature of home care, your loved one can be the caregiver’s primary focus. Their mission is to give your loved one the level of attention and care that will keep them safe and comfortable. Because an in-home caregiver usually just has one client, their needs are fulfilled considerably more quickly than they would be in a residential institution.
5. Cost Effectiveness
Because home care is paid by the hour, there is a lot of leeway in terms of out-of-pocket spending. In the Bay Area, prices range from $24 to $35 per hour, with a reduction for 24-hour live-in care. Home care can be substantially less expensive than a residential nursing facility, which can cost up to $550 per day for persons who require support on a part-time basis. Home care costs can also be covered by long-term care insurance plans.
6. Peace of mind
You won’t have to worry about your loved one being alone and falling or being hurt while doing everyday things like showering or cooking. Instead, you’ll be able to relax knowing that they’re in good hands.
7. Independence
For seniors contemplating care alternatives, losing their independence is a major issue. Home care has the advantage of allowing your loved one to maintain control over many elements of their everyday lives. They can maintain their independence by deciding when they wish to eat, sleep, and interact. A caretaker can assist seniors who no longer drive in getting to social activities and running errands, allowing them to live freely.
8. Companionship
Seniors who live alone frequently experience social isolation and feelings of loneliness, both of which can contribute to health problems. A caregiver provides a familiar face, cheerful conversation, and a genuine human connection to your loved one, all of which can have a significant impact on their general health and well-being.
9. Family Involvement
Home care allows your family to play a bigger role in your loved one’s care. You will have a direct line of communication with your loved one’s caregiver with a professional home care organization, and a care manager will provide you with frequent updates on care.
10. Pet Ownership
Because your loved one can stay at home, they won’t have to give up their favorite pet. Companionship from pets has been demonstrated to alleviate loneliness in elders, minimize heart disease, and soothe dementia patients. Seniors can benefit from pet companionship even if they require some assistance caring for the animal with the support of a caregiver, family members or companion.
Get in touch with Rivers of Hope, if you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a Home Care Services in Fall River, MA, call the caring staff at Rivers of Hope today at 508-857-0629. Providing Independent, Dependent, and Companion Care Services in Brockton, Boston, Braintree, Avon Randolph, Abington, and the surrounding areas. riversofhopes.com
What can we do to encourage my elderly mother to drink more water? She is prone to urinary tract infections and appears to be dehydrated all of the time, no matter what we do. We also wanted to know if coffee and tea are okay to drink, or if they should be avoided to avoid dehydration.
A: Dehydration is a serious issue for senior citizens. Even when it’s not particularly hot outside, it’s not uncommon.
One of the best methods to lessen the risk of dehydration is to assist an older person in increasing her fluid intake, as you’re attempting to do.
So, how do you go about doing it? The best techniques, according to studies and practical experience, are:
1. Providing a drink to the elderly person on a regular basis, preferably on a timetable
2. Providing refreshments that the person appears to enjoy,
3. When it comes to elderly individuals, don’t expect them to drink a lot at one sitting.
4. Taking care of any urinary incontinence difficulties that are preventing the client from drinking frequently.
The Fundamentals of Dehydration
What is dehydration and how does it happen?
Dehydration occurs when the body’s cells and blood vessels do not have as much fluid as they should.The body normally acquires and loses fluid as a result of what we eat and drink, as well as urination, sweating, and other physical activities. However, if we continue to lose more fluid than we consume, we may become dehydrated.
When a person becomes dehydrated, the body is programmed to send a thirst signal to the brain. The kidneys are also intended to begin concentrating urine, resulting in less water loss.
Why are older people more prone to dehydration?
Unfortunately, as we become older, the body’s processes for preventing dehydration become less effective. Thirst signals in older persons have decreased, and they are also less able to concentrate their pee.
Other factors that put older adults at risk include:
Chronic problems with urinary continence, which can make older adults reluctant to drink a lot of fluids
Memory problems, which can cause older adults to forget to drink often, or forget to ask others for something to drink
Mobility problems, which can make it harder for older adults to get something to drink
Living in nursing homes, because access to fluids often depends on the availability and attentiveness of staff
Swallowing difficulties
Acute illness or another occurrence can also cause dehydration. Problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and infection can cause people to lose a lot of fluid and become dehydrated. Hot weather, of course, raises the danger of dehydration.
Finally, older persons are more likely to use medications that raise the risk of dehydration, such as diuretics, which are commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart failure.
In a study of older persons in residential care in the United Kingdom, blood testing revealed that 46% had impending or current dehydration.
How is dehydration treated?
The treatment of dehydration depends on:
Whether the dehydration appears to be mild, moderate, or severe
What type of electrolyte imbalances (such as high/low levels of sodium and potassium) appear on laboratory testing
If known, the cause of the dehydration
Mild dehydration can usually be treated by having the person take more fluids by mouth. Generally, it’s best to have the person drink something with some electrolytes, such as a commercial rehydration solution, a sports drink, juice, or even bouillon. But in most cases, even drinking water or tea will help.
Mildly dehydrated older adults will often perk up noticeably after they drink some fluids, usually within 5-10 minutes.
Moderate dehydration is often treated with intravenous hydration in urgent care, the emergency room, or even the hospital. Some nursing homes can also treat dehydration with a subcutaneous infusion, which means providing fluid through a small IV needle placed into the skin of the belly or thigh. This is called hypodermoclysis, and this is actually safer and more comfortable for older adults than traditional IV hydration.
We either love them or avoid them, but no matter what our stance on New Year’s resolutions, there is something incredibly refreshing about stepping into a whole new year, providing us with a clean slate and the chance to make any modifications we want to improve total well-being or to accomplish a brand new goal or dream.
For family caregivers, New Year’s resolution lists tend to be particularly significant, mainly because they affect not merely the caregivers themselves, but their senior loved ones. It’s important, however, to keep resolutions sensible. Resolving, for instance, to get a full eight hours of sleep each night, while caring for a family member who has problems with sundowning issues in Alzheimer’s, could be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Try instead to think about one of the following resolutions especially developed with family caregivers in mind:
I shall reach out for help and support, and take assistance when offered.
I give myself permission to say “no” to requests to prevent dealing with more than I am able to handle.
I will make my own health (both physical and mental) a priority, making sure that I set up and keep medical-related checkups and appointments.
I will remind myself that self-care is not selfish, and that by taking good care of myself, I’m able to take better care of my loved one.
I will take note of my energy level, and make a plan in order to avoid allowing myself to reach the point of exhaustion, burnout, or depression.
Starting with a no-cost in-home consultation, we will listen to the particular needs and challenges of your loved one, and develop a customized plan of care to fulfill those needs, through many different services such as:
Help with personal hygiene, dressing, ambulation and transfers
Running errands, such as buying groceries and picking up prescriptions
Accompanied transportation to medical appointments and enjoyable outings
Light housekeeping and laundry
Meal planning and preparation, according to any prescribed dietary plans
Engagement in conversations, reminiscing, games, and exercise, along with other pastimes that are of interest to the older adult
Everyone knows the significance of adhering to a healthy and balanced diet; nonetheless, knowing and doing in many cases are worlds apart. For older adults, it is even more vital to steer clear of the temptations of making unhealthy food choices – and, typically, more challenging. For most seniors, lifestyle choices are impacted by various factors:
Prescription complications that influence taste and/or appetite
Loss of family members, making mealtime a lonely time
Lack of interest in cooking for only one
And others
But there is one prevailing – yet little mentioned – explanation for unhealthy eating in seniors: financial constraints. Older adults on a budget may find it challenging to afford fresh, healthy foods that commonly cost a lot more than a fast food meal or can of soup. These healthy eating tips for seniors from the National Council on Aging can help:
Bear in mind that sticking with a wholesome diet can considerably improve health, with the possibility of preventing doctor visits and hospitalizations – saving older adults money in the end.
See if a senior you love is eligible for SNAP, a government program that covers the cost for fresh foods, such as vegetables and fruits. Go to BenefitsCheckUp.org to determine eligibility. The average benefit to seniors is $100/month.
Check into the older adult’s local Meals on Wheels program, which provides nutritious meals to the elderly, along with the added benefit of a friendly volunteer who will deliver the food and improve socialization.
If throwing away fresh food is a worry for an older adult who lives alone, frozen vegetables and fruits are a good option, making it possible for quick preparation of individual-sized portions.
Keep the following in mind to make sure your older loved ones are making the very best food choices:
Review the USDA’s ChooseMyPlate for the elderly with specific dietary and exercise suggestions for individuals 65 and older.
Aim for a plethora of colors, specifically brightly-colored foods such as tomatoes, carrots, peppers, eggplant, pumpkin, etc.
Include lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, keeping sodium and sugar to a minimum while ensuring plenty of high fiber and nutrients which can be particularly essential in aging, such as vitamin D.
