Your loved one needs plenty of the right foods and drinks in order to keep her body powered up, especially if she has COPD. Work with her doctor to determine any specific needs for her individual health.
Home Care in Johns Creek GA: The Connection Between Food and COPDWhat She Eats Matters.
Your aging parent is burning a lot of energy just trying to breathe. For that reason alone, she needs nutritionally-dense foods that give her a lot of bang for her buck. That means foods that are high in fiber, high in lean protein, and that pack a ton of vitamins and minerals. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats are your best bets. Your senior’s doctor might recommend working with a nutritionist in order to get a full handle on what she should be eating.
When and How Often She Eats Matters.
People with COPD often get worn out by the end of the day. Again, that has to do with the massive amounts of energy they’re expending in simply breathing. If your loved one is waiting to eat until later in the day, her body is probably burning calories that she hasn’t even taken in yet. Eating smaller meals starting just after waking up is a solid plan.
Water and Non-caffeinated Drinks Help.
Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for a senior with COPD. Plenty of water helps your loved one’s body to filter and remove toxins and keeps her circulatory system working at its best possible level. Caffeine earlier in the day is better than later in the day so that your loved one can get the best sleep possible.
Remember that Balance Is Important.
Balance is important. If your parent wants to enjoy gassy foods that can make her feel a little bloated, which can make breathing more difficult, then steering clear of carbonated drinks is a way to balance that out. Finding that right balance can take a little bit of experimentation, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
If your loved one would appreciate a little more help staying on track with meal preparation, hiring home care providers can give her someone else to lend a hand.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable home care in Johns Creek, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
- The 5 Most Common Signs of Malnutrition In Seniors - November 22, 2024
- Personal Home Care in Gainesville, Georgia: Supporting Independence and Quality of Life - November 20, 2024
- 7 Tips for Caring for an Aging Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease - November 15, 2024
