The foods seniors eat play a vital role in the stroke recovery process, as they can affect blood pressure, body weight, and stress levels. As a family caregiver, you need to develop a proper diet plan for your aging loved one based on the doctor’s recommendations. Below are some healthy food choices for senior stroke survivors and the benefits of each item.
1. Turkey
Many senior stroke survivors experience breathing problems that can interrupt sleep during the night. However, turkey is a healthy food choice that enhances sleep and overall wellbeing. Turkey is lean meat that contains tryptophan, an amino acid that can increase the production of the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin, which prevents fatigue and leads to adequate sleep.
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If your loved one needs help planning and preparing healthy meals, a professional caregiver can be a great source of support. In Amarillo, senior 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 Assistance are available to help your elderly loved one 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2. Beans
Strokes can cause weakened muscles and make it challenging for seniors to control their bladders. Unconscious leaking is the most common bladder problem and is often treated with therapies and healthy eating habits, such as bean consumption. Black beans and kidney beans are good sources of fiber, and they can absorb most of the water from foods your loved one eats, which helps with managing bladder problems.
3. Yogurt
Swallowing and chewing foods may be challenging for your loved one in the early stages of stroke recovery. Therefore, you need to find foods that are easy to eat, such as yogurt. This dairy product is a good source of protein and can keep seniors full. Yogurt also contains abundant amounts of vitamins, calcium, and zinc that can boost heart health and reduce the risk of a recurrent stroke.
4. Oatmeal
Whole grains such as oatmeal deliver soluble fiber to seniors and reduce the risk of recurrent strokes. Oatmeal is a brain-boosting whole grain that can also enhance cognition in seniors and restore many of the abilities they lost due to their strokes. To add more variety to your loved one’s oatmeal, use fresh fruits such as strawberries and blueberries.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Amarillo, TX, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place.
5. Tuna
Biochemical changes in the brain are one of the leading causes of depression, and some of the symptoms include restlessness, decreased energy, sadness, and difficulty concentrating. Healthy eating can treat depression naturally and boost mental and emotional health. Tuna is a fatty fish that can increase the positive endorphins throughout the body and enhance mood. The amino acids in tuna can clear the mind and boost energy levels.
6. Spinach
This leafy green vegetable contains nutrients that boost cognition and lower blood pressure levels. Eating at least one daily serving of vegetables such as spinach provides folate and vitamins K, E, and B, which can increase mental focus and sharpen memory.
7. Apples
Apples are abundant in the soluble fiber known as pectin, which can lower cholesterol levels. Eating low-cholesterol foods is critical during stroke recovery because it could prevent plaque buildup and increase circulation. When blood and oxygen flow freely throughout the body and to the brain, your loved one’s stroke recovery odds could increase.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted elderly home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (806) 803-9991 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.