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Why Check Food Quality When Choosing a Skilled Nursing Home

July 2, 2020 0 Comment Category: Care Center

Food quality is one of the most commonly cited arguments by seniors who do not want to move to a skilled nursing home. However, this is because they are unaware of the strict food quality policies adopted by most skilled nursing homes. That is why it is important to take a tour of the nursing care home with your elderly loved one and check the food quality in-person. This will help them see how the skilled nursing home cares for its residents, and provides them with high quality, nutritional meals.

A specialized nursing care facility will have expert dieticians to ensure that they offer the best meal plans for their residents. This is to make sure that they get proper nourishment that will help in recovering from illness as well as boost their overall quality of life. Nursing care homes take special care to offer the best quality food to seniors because older individuals need proper nourishment every day to support their health and body weight.

Nutritional requirements and eating habits will vary a lot as a person ages. If you are choosing a nursing care option for your senior because of an injury or for post-hospitalization care, then the dietary needs will also depend upon the condition of your elderly loved one. That’s another good reason why you should make sure that they get the highest quality food as well as maintain a healthy and balanced diet when at the skilled nursing home facility.

Nutrient Requirements for Seniors

Skilled nursing homes make sure that seniors get all the nutrients they require to stay healthy. The dietician and nutritionist at the skilled nursing home will prepare a meal plan for your senior that is rich in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, protein, fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good digestion, brain health, bone mass, blood pressure, as well as to keep common age-related issues at bay.

While calcium and vitamin D help seniors to maintain healthy bones, fiber is important for proper digestion and avoiding inflammation due to constipation problems. Likewise, iron helps to prevent anemia, while magnesium and potassium work to alleviate the risk of conditions like high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and type-2 diabetes. Including omega-3 fatty acids helps with heart health, while protein in the diet helps to maintain muscle mass. All these nutrients work collaboratively to supply the body with enough energy, which is key for a speedy recovery.

Skilled nursing homes create a meal plan with enough whole foods, fruits and vegetables, and fish and lean meats, which would provide all these nutrients to seniors. They will also make sure that your elderly parent or grandparent gets enough calories every day and leads an active lifestyle to maintain a balanced weight. Contact Foothill Heights Care Center to schedule a tour with your loved one!