Blog: Food Menu Program Strategies to Prevent Senior Malnutrition
The food menu program at your assisted
living facility is no doubt designed to meet the nutritional needs of
the residents. Yet research suggests that up to 16 percent of
community-dwelling older adults may be at risk for malnutrition. The
number is even higher – up to 60 percent – for seniors in
long-term care centers.
Malnourishment has serious consequences
for seniors. From diminished immunity and slower wound healing to
muscle weakness and poor memory, malnutrition can significantly
impact senior health.
To help prevent senior malnutrition,
experts recommend adopting the following food menu program
strategies.
Serve Nutrient-Packed Foods
In older adults, malnutrition often
occurs because of a loss in appetite. To combat this, try to make
sure that every bite packs a nutritional punch. Focus on serving
foods that are packed with nutrients, including fruits and
vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Treats are certainly ok
on an occasional basis, but avoid empty calories whenever possible.
Make Sure Meals Taste Great
It’s not enough to serve up healthy,
nutrient-dense foods – meals also have to taste good, or seniors
aren’t going to want to eat. Boost the flavor and appeal of your
food menu offerings and help prevent senior malnutrition by using
lemon juice, garlic, spices and herbs. Experiment with different
seasonings, but be careful to keep the salt level at a reasonable
level.
Provide Between-Meal Snacks
For many older adults, eating large
meals is out of the question. To avoid malnourishment in seniors with
smaller appetites, make healthy between-meal snacks a part of your
food program. Snacking on fresh veggies, fruit, cheese, nuts or whole
grains can provide much-needed nutrients and help prevent
malnutrition.
Turn Meals into Social Events
Eating alone isn’t much fun, so
encourage your residents to sit with friends at mealtime. In
addition, ask your senior care center staff to socialize with the
residents during meals. The more enjoyable mealtime is, the more
older adults are likely to eat – and the less likely they are to
suffer malnutrition.
Consider Nutritional Drinks
For seniors who are having trouble
meeting their dietary requirements through the food menu, nutritional
drinks can help fill the gaps. Getting nutrients from whole foods is
preferred, but fortified beverages are beneficial for older adults
who are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition. A range of varieties
of are available, suited to meet specific health and nutritional
needs.
Senior malnutrition is a serious issue,
but assisted living facilities can take steps to meet the day-to-day
dietary needs of older adults. The Grove Menus meal planning software
system makes this easier. Our cost-effective food menu program is
designed to provide simple, nutritious meal solutions to senior care
centers.
To schedule a complimentary, no-pressure demonstration of the Grove Menus user-friendly food menu program tools, contact us today.