As people age, proper nutrition becomes more and more important. For any number of reasons, many seniors struggle to consume the nutrients necessary to sustain optimal health. Sometimes, they just don’t like cooking for one person. Other times, they’re not physically able to undertake the processes involved with prepping and cooking regular meals. Because of this, meal preparation service options can be an excellent alternative for some seniors; however, it’s not always a great option for everyone.
If you’re considering hiring a meal preparing service for yourself or an elderly loved ones, here are some pros and cons to help you with your decision:
Pros of Meal Preparation Services for the Elderly
Having another person in your home can be unsettling at first, but there are many benefits to home care. In particular, home care professionals who provide meal preparing service options fill a vital role to the elderly community.
Nutrition
Seniors’ bodies are undergoing a number of changes, which can become more rapid with each passing year. Proper nutrition can help stave off certain problems associated with aging. It is the role of meal prep professionals to ensure their clients have the right amount of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein to facilitate healthy, happy bodies.
Seniors’ nutritional needs often vary significantly from those of younger generations. For example, they often need a more balanced intake of whole-grain foods to combat constipation. A well-balanced diet can also help seniors reduce the risks of:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Bone loss
- Anemia
- Certain cancers
Beyond this, eating well usually lends itself to increased energy and positive outlooks on life; both of which are essential for seniors.
Reduced Stress
The simple acts of grocery shopping; cutting, chopping, and prepping; cooking; and washing dishes can be overwhelming to even the most able-bodied young people. For seniors who suffer from physical or mental limitations, cooking their own meals may simply be impossible. In these situations, the alternatives are often far and few between. If a friend or loved one is unable to prepare these seniors’ meals, the only remaining option might be delivery, which can be not only costly but also far from the healthiest option.
Meal preparation services eliminate both the mental and physical stresses that are often felt by seniors.
Companionship
Food prep services aren’t solely about the food. They also provide a vital — yet intangible — element. APlaceforMom.com provides a number of startling statistics, showcasing the devastating effects that can occur when seniors become isolated. Among them, loneliness tends to lend itself to negative effects on a person’s health — both mental and physical. In fact, there’s even some evidence to suggest that loneliness and isolation contribute to mortality in older people.
Drawbacks of Meal Preparation Services for the Elderly
Meal preparation services are great for some individuals, but they’re not the perfect fit for everyone.
Cost
These services can be cost prohibitive for seniors and family members who are on limited budgets. To offset the cost of meal preparing service options alone, many people find value in bundling other senior care services such as bathing, grooming, toileting, transportation, housekeeping, medication reminders, and light housekeeping to create a well-rounded, positive experience.
Personal Space
As seniors settle into their own ways of doing things, privacy becomes very important. They may be too proud to admit their health is failing, or maybe they’ve called their house their home for so long they can’t bear to let a stranger in. Although this obstacle cannot always be overcome, seniors who find the right home care meal provider often experience far more benefits than drawbacks.
It’s important to remember that every meal preparing service is a little different. If you think this is the best option for yourself or your loved one, be sure to speak with several companies to ensure you find a good fit for your family’s unique situation. It’s important to find a company that provides great customer service, fits within your budget, and can provide any other forms of assistance you’ve decided to bundle with the meal preparation service.