Say No to Standard Nutritional Shakes
The New York Times reported that the American Geriatrics Society has made a new warning in their Choosing Wisely recommendations against using products such as Boost and Ensure because they are little more than ‘liquid candy’. Interestingly, this is a label usually ascribed to soda. Like soda, the primary ingredients are water and sugar. Unfortunately, these so called nutritional drinks are not really nutritious. They contain synthetic vitamins which are not as bio-available or as well absorbed as their natural higher quality counterparts. As such, they are empty calories. If you want a nutritious diet for your senior loved one, do not serve this ‘liquid candy’ to the elderly in Manhattan, or anywhere else.
Why Recommend Them?
Geriatricians often recommend these supplements out of fear of weight loss and malnutrition. Ironically, sugar cereals like Fruit Loops, so decried by nutritionists, have far fewer grams of sugar per serving. These so-called nutritional supplements supply even more sugar than these “kid cereals”. Consequently, it would be more beneficial to address the underlying reason for the lack of appetite and weight loss than recommending these energy drinks. Remember, there could be a medical reason for a loss of appetite or it could be something more logistical in nature.
What Can You Do?
If a lack of ability to prepare nutritious meals is a problem, help is easily available. Fortunately, there are home health aides that you could hire on an hourly basis to relieve the burden of that task. These caregivers could work within the dietary restrictions of the elderly patient to prepare meals that are healthful and tasty. Furthermore, the home health aide could feed the senior citizen as well as supervise and monitor the food intake. They can keep relatives and health professionals well informed regarding the food intake of the patient. These aides could be obtained through home care agencies in your area.
David York Supports Healthy Diets in the Elderly in Manhattan
If the above information about elderly nutrition in Manhattan has been useful, check out David York’s blog. At DYA, we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one.
David York understands the challenges of caregiving and is willing to provide all the support you need. Home healthcare agencies such as David York Agency in the New York area make sure their home health aides are fully acquainted with all the specific requirements of each and every elderly client they service.
If you’d like more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at 718.376.7755. A free phone consultation can help you decide what services might be best. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
David York Agency Home Healthcare remains committed to providing personalized care for your loved one. If you have questions about our services, please contact us. We can help you through the difficult times and give you the break you deserve!
