Indigestion is more than just uncomfortable. In most cases, it is very painful. Unfortunately, seniors are more prone to suffering indigestion and other gastrointestinal problems than the rest of us. As a caregiver, it is your job to make sure your loved one doesn’t have to go through that most of the time.
Caregivers giving home care services are trained to watch over the elderly’s eating habits, and they recommend the following:
- When preparing food, make sure to slice them into easily chewed sizes. Smaller pieces of food are digested faster than huge chunks.
- Do not allow your elderly relatives to consume too much coffee. Make sure they don’t take caffeinated drinks six hours before bed.
- Add fruits into their diet. However, make sure to limit the intake of citrus fruits as they are acidic.
- Don’t allow your charges to lie down right after eating. It will cause acid reflux that can damage the esophagus.
Food preparation can indeed be a challenge when taking care of the elderly. Their bodies have different needs and dietary requirements. Professionals in private duty services, as well as nutritionists, can help you in formulating and then preparing meals for your loved one safe, and in a manner that maximizes their nutrition.
If you need help in taking care of your seniors, especially those who suffer from dementia, like Alzheimer’s diseases, don’t hesitate to seek us out at Wintergreen Services LLC. We specialize in expert and compassionate live-in care services in Lowell, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas.