Chewing food is an essential aspect of digestion. Older adults incapable of munching their food can become nutrient deficient by avoiding meals requiring rigorous chewing. We provide holistic care at Inspired Living to the elderly, including minding their chewing needs. Our expertise in memory care in Tampa, FL, and its environs includes meeting the senior’s nutritional needs. Call us today if you are looking for Dementia Care in Tampa, FL. We assist the elderly under our care with activities of daily living, including grooming, behavioral management, eating, and scheduling activities. We prioritize nutrition because we understand the value of nutrients in enhancing health in elderly adults. We recommend high-value meals that are easy to chew and swallow for our elderly community with difficulty chewing. Here is a list of go-to meals requiring less munching effort.
Eggs
Eggs are soft, require effortless chewing, and have a host of healthy nutrients. Enhance their smoothness by mashing them and adding Soft healthy dressings and seasonings. Eggs are rich in choline which reduces inflammation, enhances memory, and improves brain functions. Eggs also have amino acids, the building blocks for proteins. The senior also gets the B vitamin complex, vitamin D, and trace elements like phosphorus when they include eggs in their diet.
Fish
Flaky fish like salmon and tuna are easy to eat and have tons of nutrients. Fish does not contain fiber or gristly portions. The elderly adult can effortlessly break them down. Capitalize on diversity to ensure the senior gets a variety of nutrients in each fish meal. For instance, salmon is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and potassium, which are excellent for lowering cholesterol, maintaining cardiovascular health, and improving memory. Tuna is rich in vitamin D, omega-3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, potassium, calcium, and selenium. All these nutrients are essential for bone, heart, and muscle health.
Soft Fruits
In addition to vitamins, fruits have plenty of phytonutrients and easy-to-eat fiber. Blending some fruits softens their texture, making them easy to eat and ingest. Examples of fruits to include in the diet include
- Bananas – are a healthy source of energy, potassium, and fiber. Purée bananas with cinnamon for bust in test and additional nutrients.
- Avocado – is a plant source of protein, fiber, healthy cholesterol, magnesium, and potassium. The softness of this fruit requires no heat or extensive manipulation to prepare.
- Mangoes – provide dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They are soft and sweet whether eaten whole or juiced. Ensure that the fruit is ripe for easy eating.
Soups and Sauces
Another easy way to ensure an elderly adult with chewing difficulty gets easy-to-eat nutritious food is by making soups and sauces. Prepare the meal with spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, garlic, and saffron to enhance the taste and add phytonutrients. Use a variety of vegetables in every meal, including carrots, celery, potatoes, and leafy greens. Ensure the vegetables are finely chopped or puréed for easy feeding.
Dairy Products
Include dairy in the meal plan for extra proteins and nutrients. Yogurt provides probiotics essential for food digestion and absorption. Cheese is a good source of calcium for strong and healthy bones.
Call Us For Memory Care Tampa, FL
We provide excellent dementia care for seniors in Tampa, FL. We also assist in meal planning, taking into account the senior’s digestive needs. Call us today at (813) 739-0007 or fill out this form for memory care services.
