Elderly adults, especially those living in a retirement community or nursing care facility in the Baltimore MD area, may require a special diet. Because of their advancing age or existing health conditions, a senior may be required to have a strict diet by his doctor or nutritionist. Conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes mean the seniors will also be subjected to portion control. They can’t eat as much as they used to, or as frequently as they would wish.
This is part of the total and holistic care services which is part of the senior care program in nursing homes in the Baltimore area. Even rehabilitation and retirement facilities also promise a healthy and dietitian-approved diet for their residents. Knowing the senior health services is one of the most complicated types of businesses in Maryland, it’s interesting to know how nursing homes in Baltimore plan food and snacks for their residents.
Consult Dietitians
There are no one-size-fits-all meal plans for seniors in the healthcare center. As explained earlier, each resident may have a unique set of health conditions that may require a specialized meal plan for him alone. Dieticians can group together seniors in the nursing homes who may have the same conditions and plan a meal plan for their group.
It’s important to consult a nutritionist not only for fat content, calories, sugar, or fiber requirement. The dieticians also vary the type and content of food in the meal plans so nursing homes in the Baltimore MD area can keep things interesting. News of bad food and boring dietary services can travel fast in the health care industry in Maryland. This is why food is a top priority in nursing and retirement homes.
Get Fresh Produce Suppliers
Nursing facilities within and near Baltimore, Maryland have the advantage of having a wealth of fresh produce suppliers. There are fresh fruits and vegetables planted and sourced by local farmers. Of course, fresh seafood in Baltimore, Maryland is second to none. Nursing facilities need to make sure that the food they are serving is fresh and made only of the best ingredients. Canned food and preserved meats are high in sodium and saturated fats and may not be the best to serve the elderly in their health services facility near Baltimore MD.
Have Strict Monitoring
Like children or young adults, seniors also try to get one past their care providers. Some will try to sneak in food which isn’t allowed or part of their diet. Some will try to sneak out and go somewhere for a greasy burger and fries. This is perfectly normal, but is closely monitored by health attendants in the facility. Some patients have been known to switch food with other patients. While this may sound hilarious, not following dietary requirements can be dangerous. It has serious repercussions on the patient’s health and well-being. The food may counteract with his medication or treatment he may be receiving.
Regular Updates from Doctors
Health care facilities for seniors rely on the feedback of medical experts. After a regular check-up, the patient’s food restrictions may be lifted, or updated to include more prohibited food. This is not the ideal scenario and could be frustrating for the senior resident, but it is all for their own good. If they are responding well to health treatments. Senior homes or care facilities sometimes provide laboratory and diagnostic services within the home. If not, the patient is brought to a health clinic or laboratory for the necessary tests.
Once blood sugar, cholesterol, kidney function, etc are checked, the senior’s diet will be adjusted depending on his health needs. It is all part of the care services and packages provided by the nursing home.
Get the Patient to Cooperate
This may be one of the hardest things to do, but the elderly patient himself needs to become concerned and aware of his health condition. It will be counter-productive for the staff and professionals to provide care and the best health facilities if the patient is not cooperative. Food is a big issue for most senior residents. A lot of them are not ready and willing to give up cakes or steaks for the improvement of their own health.
The reality of their health status may be a bitter pill to swallow, but the caregivers and health providers need them to understand that food and medicine need to work hand in hand for their condition to truly improve. As the old adage goes, you are what you eat. This rings true no matter what age or fitness level you may be in.
It’s never too late to become more conscious of what we eat, drink, and put in our bodies. For seniors, it can mean buying back a few good years with your family and loved ones.
