Even though your senior is at the final stage of their life, focusing on overall health and wellness will be important. This means your senior should still be focusing on eating well. You may be wondering why. Nutrition remains vital for dying seniors as it can provide comfort, maintain some level of physical strength, and contribute to overall well-being during their final stage of life. Adequate nutrition can also help manage symptoms and enhance the quality of the time they have left. If your senior needs help cooking during this final stage of life, they may need help from 24-hour home care professionals.
Here are some things to consider when thinking about nutrition for your loved one who is at the end of their life.
Nutrition Will Help With Dehydration
When seniors stop drinking it can lead to severe dehydration and this can become super uncomfortable. 24-hour home care can ensure a senior is drinking enough water throughout the day or even sucking on ice cubes. This will help prevent any discomfort from dry mouth or dehydration. They may also help make snacks that have tons of hydration, like cucumbers and hummus or other vegetables like carrots.
24-Hour Home Care Will Help Navigate Religious or Ethical Nutrition Problems
Not all seniors can eat everything they want. This could be because of moral stances or even religious beliefs. If your senior needs help reading labels, and ingredients, or keeping away from certain foods, this is something you can write out and give to their caregiver. Once they understand a senior’s religious beliefs they can then help meal prep and adhere to any guidelines a senior has. Even with help from a caregiver, your senior is a free and independent person who is allowed to live the rest of their life any way they want to.
Caregivers Will Ensure Your Senior is Comfortable
When your loved one is always hungry, and they can’t cook for themselves, it can lead to discomfort and even agitation. It’s okay to need help with meal prep, and it is something that 24-hour home care can help with when needed. They are professionals who will learn what your loved one wants to eat during their final stages of life and help ensure they get their meals on time, sticking to a routine. Having a routine for meals and food is a good way to ensure a senior is always comfortable.
They Can Help Make Decisions
When your loved one is near the end, they may not feel as hungry as they used to. However, it is still important to ensure your loved one is eating. When you have to do this, it may feel like you are forcing your loved one, and this can be a challenging decision. So, instead, have professional help during this time. They will make it easier for your loved one to stick to a routine and take the stress away from you.
24-Hour Home Care Will Help Through All Stages
No matter what your senior is capable of, a caregiver can help through all stages. They will help prepare a meal, feed a senior, and clean up afterward. The amount of help a senior will need will depend on how independent they are and what they want help from a caregiver. Every person is different, and every case will vary.