Maintaining a healthy diet is important at any age, however as we grow older, our dietary needs change. The types of food we need changes, as does the amount of food we should be eating to maintain a healthy weight. It is the responsibility of the residential aged care facility to ensure their residents are getting the right nutrition from their meals. In this article, The Good Shepherd discusses some nutrition tips that nursing home care facilities should follow to provide a well-balanced diet to their residents.
Reduce Kilojoules
As people age, the amount of daily physical activity decreases. This means they are burning off fewer calories throughout the day. In order to maintain a healthy weight, seniors should replace any empty calories on their plates with nutritious foods that are high in good vitamins and minerals. Not only will this help them keep a healthy weight, but it will also help in providing extra energy throughout the day.
Focus on Muscle and Bone Health
The older we get, the faster our muscle and bone mass decreases. This decrease in mass can lead to an increased risk of falls and injury, therefore looking after your muscles and bones should be imperative. Foods that are high in protein such as meat, fish, eggs and beans are great for promoting healthy muscles, while calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese and yoghurt are necessary for bone health. Residential aged care facilities should be focusing the majority of their meals around these food groups.
Don’t Neglect Water
Hydration is an important part of nutrition at any age, however, as we get older, the risks that dehydration poses become greater. Dehydration can lead to dizziness, nausea and a lack of energy, which can then lead to headaches, illness or even falls and accidents. All nursing home care workers should keep a close eye on their resident’s water intake, and encourage them to drink at least 2-3 litres per day.
A Holistic Approach
Our residents are the heart of our caring community. We take seriously the responsibility to look after those entrusted to our care. Our commitment is to help our residents live their best lives in a respectful, nurturing environment.
We are truly committed to delivering safe and high-quality care that optimises the health, wellbeing and quality of life of our residents. Wherever possible, we support you to maintain your independence.
Our staff understand the vital role family and carers play in residents’ lives and the importance of maintaining close relationships.
Find out more about the aged care homes Townsville has to offer by contacting us online today.
