If you are taking care of your elderly loved one after they had a stroke, it is imperative that you provide them with the best care. You should start by talking to their doctor to see what things should be done to help your elderly loved one get the best recovery. Another one of the things that you and their homecare aides should be doing is making sure your elderly loved one gets the best foods and supplements after their stroke. This will help them to eat better and recover more. There are numerous foods and supplements that stroke patients often need.
Best Softer Foods for Your Elderly Loved One
If your elderly loved one had a stroke, they are likely going to have a difficult time chewing and swallowing. This means that you and your elderly loved one’s homecare aides should make sure they are getting softer foods that are easier to eat.
Some of the softer foods that would be good for your elderly loved one to eat after they had a stroke include the following:
Pureed vegetables and fruits – These foods will help to ensure your elderly loved one is getting enough vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in their diet. All of these things will help your elderly loved one to have a better recovery. It is important to puree these foods, so they are easier for your elderly loved one to eat.
Jello or custard – If your elderly loved one wants snacks, these foods are a great option. They are easy to eat and tasty, as well.
Oatmeal – This food can be served for breakfast, a snack, or even for lunch or dinner. It is a great option for stroke patients because it is soft and easy to swallow.
Scrambled eggs – You could also serve your elderly loved one this after their stroke. It is easy to chew and swallow.
Liquid meals – If your elderly loved one can’t chew much at all, their doctor might recommend liquid meals to supplement for the foods they can’t eat.
These are some of the softer foods that are good for people after they had a stroke. It is important to stay away from peanut butter and other sticky foods as those could get stuck in your elderly loved one’s throat.
Best Nutritional Supplements for Your Elderly Loved One
If your elderly loved one had a stroke, they are going to need to have enough nutrition throughout their day. Sometimes, stroke patients can’t eat a lot, so they need added nutrients in their daily diet. If this is the case for your elderly loved one, their doctor might recommend they have nutritional supplements.
Some of the best nutritional supplements for people who had a stroke include the following:
Potassium – This helps to manage blood pressure in stroke patients.
Vitamin B3 – This vitamin can help heal the brain after someone has a stroke.
Omega-3 – This fatty acid helps to improve stroke recovery and helps to prevent future strokes.
You should always check with your elderly loved one’s doctor before giving them additional supplements.
How Homecare can Help
Did your elderly loved one have a stroke? If so, it is important that you and their homecare services providers are giving them the proper foods and nutritional supplements. Be sure to check with your elderly loved one’s doctor to find out exactly what they should be eating or taking in regard to supplements.
Sources: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/13486-eating-well-after-a-stroke
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3678213/