6 Healthy, Budget-Friendly Foods That Belong in Your Elderly Loved One’s Diet

A person’s diet plays a huge role in their health and this is especially true for the elderly. A family may take notice to the fact that their parent’s or loved one’s cabinets are rather empty and not filled with the best of choices. An aged person needing health care assistance may be on a budget and cannot afford to spend a large amount on groceries weekly. Listed below are options that can benefit your loved one in health and their pockets. 

Here are six wholesome budget-friendly foods: 

1. Beans and lentils - According to the Weill Cornell Medical Center, beans and lentils are excellent forms of protein, which makes them a great meatless substitution in your meals. They are also loaded with fiber and this helps support good digestive health and may also help reduce cholesterol levels. 

2. Eggs - This protein source is low-cost and high-quality. An entire egg has about 75 calories, seven grams of protein and 1.6 grams of saturated fat. They also contain sources of vitamin A, potassium and some key B vitamins. Such as, folic acid and choline, which is a nutrient associated with lower inflammation and better brain health. 

3. Oats - Whole-grain oats are loaded with fiber and other nutrients. A serving of oatmeal made with a half-cup of dry oats has about four grams of fiber and five grams of protein. This breakfast meal or mid-day snack costs only about 30 cents. 

4. Sweet potatoes - A medium sized sweet potato has 130 calories, four grams of fiber and about a third of daily vitamin C needs. They are also a good source of potassium and beta carotene, an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation. This is one of the tastiest and budget-friendly foods available. 

5. Canned Fish - The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish, at least twice a week. Such as, salmon, tuna and sardines. All of these types of fish are low in saturated fat and high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with bettering heart health. 

6. Frozen vegetables and fruits - Bagged frozen fruits and vegetables are one of the greatest values in the grocery store. They provide many of the valuable nutrients needed for optimal health. People have a misunderstanding about frozen fruits and veggies. They think that they are less healthy than fresh. In actuality, they are just as nutritious as fresh. They are picked at their peak of ripeness and are flash-frozen immediately. This locks in all of their healthful nutrients. 

Be sure to remember that when a meal is healthy and affordable, a person is more likely to follow a good diet. For an elderly person, this is a win-win situation. Having a healthy diet on an affordable budget can make a significant difference in overall health and lifestyle. 

Signs That Show Your Parents May Need Assistance

ITS ONE THING TO TALK ON THE PHONE, QUITE ANOTHER TO BE PRESENT IN YOUR PARENT’S HOME.

As the holidays near and families are going to be traveling to visit their parents, there are signs you can look for to judge if they are nearing the point of needing some assistance with their normal activities of living in their own home. 

The easiest thing to recognize before you walk in the door is if the house and yard need care. As you walk in the door, is their appearance as neat and clean as they have always been? Are their clothes clean, hair clean and combed? Is the mail piling up, newspapers out of their wrappers, bills paid on time? Is food spoiling in the fridge? Are there expired groceries not thrown away? Are they shopping regularly? How is the laundry room, are clothes piling up?

One of the most difficult situations adult children have to face is the failing health of their parents. Rest assured if they do need help they will not tell you. A couple of the strongest desires in a parent is to remain independent and not be a burden on their children. Unfortunately, it may be a traumatic event that makes you finally realize your parents need assistance at home. Maybe a fall or the gas stove was left on causing a fire, etc. Being proactive and looking for signs of decline can trigger conversations about how you can help your parents before it consumes you. Most importantly, you do not want to make rushed, irrational decisions. Be sure to take the time to pay close attention to your parents surroundings when you visit them over the upcoming holidays.  

When I look back at the care we provided for our parents, I feel good we made many of the right decisions. I have spent a life time working in the nonprofit world so I had some experience on my side. Even then it was some of the most difficult times of my life. It is no fun watching your parents decline and eventual passing. It is why I have started this business, so I can share with our clients what I have learned through the entire experience of caring for my parents.