A special diet is most often recommended by the health care provider. Depending on the diet that has been recommended for the patient, there could be multiple restrictions on various types of foods.

Here is an overview of the common diets which are commonly recommended to seniors:

Low Cholesterol Diet
A low cholesterol diet is prescribed to clients that have a high level of serum cholesterol in the blood. Elevated cholesterol is dangerous, as it can lead to clogged arteries and cardiac problems.

Low cholesterol foods that are included in the diet are whole grains, lean proteins and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fried foods are avoided through the low cholesterol diet as are many processed foods and dairy products that are high in fat.

Diabetes Diet
A diet prescribed to patients that have been diagnosed as diabetic includes very little sugar and refined or processed food. In order to maintain adequate levels of blood sugar it is important to follow the diet correctly.

The caregiver must learn the specifications of the diet in order to maintain the health of the patient. Careful monitoring must often occur through the use of blood glucose meters.

Low Fat Diet
In the case that the client is obese or has been recommended to lose weight for a surgical procedure, for example – a low fat diet is prescribed. This diet often includes caloric restrictions and the client should adhere to the diet to see optimal results.

There are many ways that the client may be advised to follow a low calorie diet, including calorie restriction and soup or liquid diets which include the client fasting for up to seven days. Encouraging and motivating the client to finish the diet and reassuring that the time will pass quickly is recommended for the caregiver.

High Blood Pressure Diet
This diet encompasses meals which are low in sodium and offer the client foods that are free of MSG and foods that have been unprocessed, as these foods contain high levels of sodium and should be avoided. Diets that are created for low sodium patients include fruits and vegetables and dried beans, as well as unsalted nuts and other lean proteins.

Food that is served in restaurants as well as fast food is often very high in sodium, containing more than three times the daily recommended amount. Fast food should be avoided for clients following a diet that has been designed to promote lower blood pressure.

The knowledge of the basics of these diets is essential for care givers as it can assist to better the life and health of the patient. Developing patient nutrition is something that care givers at Hearts at Home Senior Care is passionate about and it is a task made easier with in home care.

The Use of Medication Alarms
Medication alarms can be purchased from the local pharmacy and act in a manner that is similar to an alarm clock. The alarm will sound one-time or multiple times per day to indicate that the senior should take the medication at this time. This can be an effective way for the caregiver to maintain the independence of the senior when it comes to take the medication.

Alarms are an effective way to manage the medication of the client, as long the client is aware of the medications which are to be taken at each time and the issue lies within remembering to take the medication on a daily basis. If the client doesn’t have an alarm and would like one this could be done on an outing or shopping trip.

Use Daily Medication Organizers
Daily medication organizers are an effective way to schedule multiple doses of medication per day. These organizers are available at pharmacies, health care solution stores, as well as supermarkets and are available for daily dosages, as well as entire weeks.

Remember, these types of organizers require organization and loading of the medications which are being taken by the patient. The caregiver can assist in the dividing of the medication with the client, or nurses and clients can help to establish the routine and schedule for the dosages available.

Have the Medication Bubble Packed
Pharmacies and health care professionals can make the decision to have the medication pre-packaged in dosages called “bubble packs”. These packages contain enough medication for a week and include dosages for single, even multiple medications per day. Patients that have multiple medications as well as problems remembering to take certain medications, or, have taken incorrect dosages of medications in the past which have been dangerous are often prescribed this technique to ensure that the medication remains stable.

Associate the Dosage with Daily Activities
There are many aspects of the daily routine that can be associated with taking medication. The caregiver can help to attribute these activities with certain times of day when the medication is to be taken. Some medications require that the client eat before, or with the medications, other medications should not be taken within hours of each other. For this reason, associating certain types of medications with certain activities that are completed through the day can be an effective way to avoid forgotten and missed dosages of crucial medication.

Although it can be difficult to remember to take medications on a daily basis when there are multiple doses involved, the caregiver can enable these techniques and ensure that all measures possible are taken to manage correct doses of medication.

So, with the help of our caregivers, our clients and the families of the elderly citizens we look after, be they in their own homes or assisted living facilities, can relax because we are there to help.