For many seniors, losing their appetite is normal after experiencing a stroke. However, eating healthy foods is an important part of recovery, and it can also reduce the risk of another stroke. Here are some nutritious meal options senior stroke survivors should try.
Skinless Chicken
Reducing your elderly loved one’s saturated fat intake is a good way to help him or her recover from a stroke. Saturated fat is one of the main causes of heart disease, and eating too much of it can also lead to obesity. Your loved one should avoid eating chicken with the skin as well as fried chicken and opt for baked chicken instead.
Stroke survivors often need help preparing healthy meals, and a professional caregiver is the ideal solution. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care. Tucson families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Baked Fish
A stroke can negatively impact your loved one’s brain. The brain controls emotions and behaviors, and it needs regular stimulation to function properly. Baked fish is a good meal choice for seniors when recovering from a stroke because it contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a nutrient that’s essential to brain health. DHA is necessary for brain development and protecting the brain during and after a stroke. Fish is one of the very few foods that contain DHA, which is why it should be included in your loved one’s diet.
Salad
Some senior stroke survivors should eat meatless entrées while on the road to recovery. Cauliflower baked pasta salad and quinoa Greek salad are two options your loved one might enjoy. Salads are full of leafy greens and other vegetables that are rich in nutrients. Make sure to add avocado oil or vinaigrette to your loved one’s salads at mealtime. Consuming a small amount of vinaigrette each day could reduce the risk of heart disease. Avoiding high-calorie toppings and dressings with high-fat content can help your loved one lose weight and keep his or her blood and oxygen flowing normally.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Smoothie
Many senior stroke survivors have difficulty chewing and swallowing food, which can lead to malnutrition. It’s important your loved one gets the nutrition he or she needs to maintain heart health and prevent a recurrent stroke. Eating foods that are easy to chew and swallow can also boost oral health. Smoothies full of fruits and vegetables can provide nutrients that increase circulation and prevent clogged arteries and other issues that raise the risk of a second stroke.
Soup
Low-sodium soups provide elderly stroke survivors with fiber and several essential nutrients. A meal high in fiber can lower your loved one’s blood cholesterol, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Seniors recovering from strokes need to eat homemade soups instead of canned soups. Some of the soups your loved one should eat include:
- Chicken noodle soup
- Butternut soup (no fat or sugar added)
- Lentil vegetable soup
- Southwestern soup
Following a stroke, older adults often need around-the-clock assistance. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but Tucson live-in care experts are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or is recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please give us a call today at (520) 276-6555.