Say No to Standard Nutritional Shakes
The Harvard Medical School is suggesting that nutritional drinks provide poor nutrition for seniors. Furthermore, the American Geriatrics Society 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’, a label usually ascribed to soda. Like soda, the primary ingredients are water and sugar. Although they are enriched with synthetic vitamins, these drinks are really empty calories. As such, they do little to improve the nourish the elderly in Morristown.
Why Do Professionals 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”. These are seemingly quick “fixes” to add calories to seniors who experience decreased appetite. However, it would be more beneficial to address the underlying reason for the lack of appetite and weight loss. Clearly, recommending these energy drinks do not address any underlying cause or condition. There could be a medical reason for a loss of appetite or it could be something more logistical in nature.
What Can We Do?
Most important, we must nourish the elderly. If a lack of ability to prepare nutritious meals is a problem, there are home health aides that could be hired on an hourly basis to relieve the burden of that task. Moreover, these caregivers could work within the dietary restrictions of the elderly patient to prepare meals that are healthful and tasty. Also, the home health aide could feed the senior citizen as well as supervise and monitor the food intake. Furthermore, 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. Home healthcare agencies such as David York Agency in New Jersey make sure their home health aides are fully acquainted with all the specific requirements of each and every elderly client they service.
David York Agency Home Healthcare Helps Seniors in Morristown
At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Morristown that provide in home health care services. At DYA, we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (908) 373-5300. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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