For senior stroke survivors to recover and prevent future strokes, they must eat healthy meals. Some typical recommendations include foods with low cholesterol levels and minimal amounts of salt. If your elderly loved one has experienced a stroke, here are a few healthy meal options you can serve him or her.
Oatmeal
Your loved one can start the day with a bowl of oatmeal topped with cinnamon and fresh fruit. Oatmeal offers plenty of fiber, iron, and protein, and the fruit includes necessary vitamins and minerals.
A stroke is a serious health issue that can impact the ability to perform daily activities independently. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Potomac families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Toast
If your loved one prefers eating toast with a cup of coffee or tea, there are ways to make this meal healthy. Use whole wheat bread for fiber, protein, and other nutrients. Toppings might include peanut butter and raisins for iron, vitamin B, and protein. Other options include avocado and tomato slices for healthy fats and vitamin C and low-salt cheese for calcium.
Supplement breakfasts with a cup of low-fat plain or fruit-filled yogurt or a glass of low-fat milk to ensure your loved one gets sufficient amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. A bowl of fresh or frozen fruit contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Salad
A bowl of salad makes a healthy midday meal. Start with a bed of arugula, spinach, or other dark leafy greens and add tomato and cucumber slices. For protein, mix in chopped roasted chicken, baked fish, or a hardboiled egg. If salad dressing is a must, choose low-fat or fat-free varieties, and complete the meal with a serving of fresh fruit. Salad is a rich source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and calcium.
Baked Chicken & Broccoli
Casseroles are an easy way to combine several nutrient-rich foods to create a one-dish meal. Combine a package of cooked whole wheat pasta with one package each of broccoli and corn. Add a couple of cooked chicken breasts cut into small pieces, then stir in one cup of low-fat plain yogurt and some fat-free cream cheese. Make sure to season the casserole with a blend of Italian herbs. Bake the casserole in a covered dish for 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Each serving offers an abundance of protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A, B, and D, fiber, and some antioxidants.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help preparing nutritious meals. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of homecare services. Assisting Hands Home Care provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Hamburger Soup
Soups are another quick way to combine several healthy foods in one pot. Start by browning one pound of lean hamburger and adding chopped onion and chopped garlic. To this mixture, add 1/3 cup of brown rice, one can of low-sodium tomato sauce, one can of low-sodium tomatoes, and one package of frozen mixed vegetables. Bring the soup to a boil and reduce the heat for 35 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked. Each hearty bowl of soup provides protein, fiber, and vitamin C along with other vitamins and minerals. Serve the soup with a slice of whole wheat bread or crackers for a boost of fiber and iron.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Potomac, MD, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place. Assisting Hands Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Specialists today to learn more about our customized care plans.
