Your senior might just give up on eating altogether if she’s having a difficult time chewing. Painful chewing or difficulty swallowing make eating way more complicated than it really should be.
Some of these options can help.
Use Ground Meats Instead of Whole or Cubed Meat
Ground meats are a much easier way to get meat into your senior than either whole pieces or even cubed meats. This is an excellent replacement in soups or stews, too, because it doesn’t change the dish and yet your senior gets the benefit of the meat. Choosing softer types of meat, like fish, is another excellent way to get protein and other nutrients into your senior’s diet.
Cook Vegetables to a Softer Texture
Steamed vegetables are visually appealing and maintain much of their nutritional value, but they may still be too crisp for your elderly family member. Finding ways to cook them down a little bit more, like through boiling or roasting them, can often help a good bit. Ideally you want vegetables to at least be fork tender, but test different degrees of softness with your senior to find out which textures work best for her.
Opt for More Liquid Meals
In some cases, liquid meals might be a good option. You can always puree meals, even meats and vegetables. Some people don’t like the idea of drinking a meal containing meat, though, so you might need to get creative. Smoothies and milkshakes that include lots of fruits and vegetables can be a great way to help your senior to get some nutrients into her body.
Try a Variety of Softer Foods to Find Favorites
There are so many more options for soft foods than you or your senior might realize right now. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut or to only think about what she isn’t able to eat right now. Senior care providers can help your elderly family member to branch out and to try a greater variety of soft food options. They’ve got plenty of experience helping aging adults just like your senior with this exact issue. They may be able to help your senior find the perfect menu for her.
Make sure that you talk with your senior’s dentist and her doctor about the difficulty she’s having chewing. There may still be solutions that can work for your elderly family member to help her to continue to be able to chew.
If you or an aging loved one are in need of Senior Care Services in Northport NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!
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