Are the Elderly in Nursing Homes Getting Proper Nutrition?

Feeding the elderly in nursing homes has come along way since the old days, and it is a very challenging task. The elderly need to be hydrated and well nourished. Nutrition is complex picture, as each person has different nutritional needs. Poor nutrition can affect appetite and reduce food intake, nutrition problems involve many of the residents lives. Reduced appetites are very common and can be induced by reduced mobility or cancer, nutritional deficiencies and depression.

There is increased requirements for some residents because of diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, Huntingdon's chorea , or because of infection and presence of wounds. People with swallowing difficulties may require such products as milk nectar, honey nectar and juice nectar's and water nectar's to name a few, as the drinks will make the swallowing process a little easier, they will also need to eat pureed foods or very soft foods.

Also another factor to consider is the body's energy requirements decline as people get older, and nutritional needs change with age. The elderly people need fewer calories as they tend to have smaller appetites, caregivers must make sure the foods they eat are rich in vitamins and minerals, this is important to maintain good health.

The Dietitian or health care facility must get information regarding their age, food likes and dislikes, foods they are allergic to, activity level and medical condition, she then can evaluate and plan the proper menu and nutritional needs of the person. It is also a good idea to talk to the family as well regarding the food menu,as their input is important as well. The food needs to reflect the persons needs and must meet their particular nutritional needs.

The importance of good nutritional status in the elderly is without question, diseases associated with dietary excess and imbalance rank among the leading causes of illness and death. Major diseases in which diet plays a role are coronary heat disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes and obesity, and the list can go on and on.

There are many good nutritional products on the market today and nursing homes are using these products , as they help supply important nutrients and vitamins to the elderly. Some elderly people only need a supplement such as Ensure , Glucirna, mighty shakes and thickened shakes. Naturally the usual juices like orange, cranberry, apple, grape and V-8 juice is offered at every meal . There are also drinks for people with swallowing problems, some of them include: Thick & Easy milk nectar ( which is thickened milk), Thick & Easy dairy thickened Honey constancy, Thick & Easy for coffee and tea, juice nectar and thickened pudding.

Pureed food has come along way, they can puree just about anything, like muffins French toast, pancakes, eggs, shrimp, meats and all kinds of food. There is no reason why people with swallowing problems can't enjoy tasty food, after all why would they want to eat bland baby type foods. Naturally they have the nutritional cereals everyday, most nursing homes serve cream of wheat, oatmeal and super cereal, as well as cold cereals ( which the resident may choose any kind they like). All of these products are geared to get the elderly to eat a well balanced diet and be as healthy as possible. Another thing is, most nursing homes no longer offer bland and boring menu's, they are trying to make the food more appealing and appetizing for the residents, also they are offering much more variety of the food they serve, as well as tasty and tempting desserts.

I am glad to see that nursing homes are treating the residents much better now, than they did in the old days. The elderly need to be as healthy as possible, even if they are in their less than golden years.

In closing, every elderly nursing home resident deserves The Quality of life and Quality care.