Meal Planning & Preparation in Bellingham

Barriers to proper nutrition in Bellingham

As individuals age, they often experience a decline in appetite, which can be linked to changes in taste perception. Research shows that as we grow older, our ability to detect flavors diminishes, leading to reduced interest in food. Additionally, certain medical conditions and medications can impair taste and smell, further affecting a senior’s desire to eat. For some, physical challenges like difficulty chewing or swallowing can also impact mealtimes. For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, mealtimes can shift from a familiar, enjoyable routine to one that is confusing or stressful. Those living alone may also find mealtimes isolating.

In Bellingham, seniors facing physical or mental impairments may struggle with planning, shopping for, and preparing meals, making it harder to access proper nutrition. Many older adults may find cooking for one or two people overwhelming, leading them to rely more on frozen or packaged foods, which are often less nutritious. It’s important to address these challenges to ensure seniors can maintain a balanced diet that supports their health and well-being.

How can Family Resource help?

• If planning and preparing meals is part of a client’s care plan, caregivers will assist with all aspects of planning and preparing foods to their client’s preferences.
• During the initial assessment, the client (with input from family, if appropriate) will be asked about their likes, dislikes, mealtimes, and routine. This information is included in the client’s care plan.
• Our caregivers will take into account special diets (ie, low-sugar, low-sodium) and help adapt foods to meet the client’s needs.
• Depending on the needs and interests of the client, the caregiver may grocery shop with or without them.
• Depending on the number of shifts worked each week, our caregivers can cook daily meals or cook a larger item such as a soup or casserole and then divide it into portions to be frozen and reheated later.
• Clients who have enjoyed cooking or baking, but can no longer do so due to medical or cognitive reasons, can be encouraged to participate in the process by doing tasks to assist (washing veggies, mixing ingredients) while the caregiver does the rest.
• Caregivers will provide assistance at the table ranging from making the food look appealing on the plate to feeding clients who are unable to feed themselves. Cutting up food, getting utensil to mouth, providing cueing to remind the client to chew and swallow, and encouraging drinks of water between bites. These are just a few of the approaches we take to help our clients enjoy and get the most out of their meals.
• Following meal preparation, our caregivers will clean the kitchen, wash dishes, wipe down counters and appliances, sweep the floor, and take out the trash.

Help with meal planning and preparation keeps seniors independent, healthy, and happy in their own homes in Bellingham.

At Family Resource Home Care, we are committed to providing exceptional care that helps seniors remain healthy, safe, active, and independent. In Bellingham, we personalize our services to fit each client’s individual needs and preferences, ensuring they live the quality of life they deserve. Our caregivers are skilled, experienced, and offer compassionate, attentive support when it’s needed most.

How do you establish meal planning and preparation services with Family Resource Home Care in Bellingham?

At Family Resource, we place a strong emphasis on truly listening to our clients. Every senior has their own set of preferences, needs, and concerns, so we take the time to understand their health history, lifestyle, interests, and any specific worries they may have. Together with the senior, we discuss meal preferences and decide how involved they want to be in the planning and preparation process. We also collaborate with family members to get a complete understanding of the client’s needs.

Once we have a full picture of the client’s personality and requirements, we carefully match them with a caregiver from our team of thoroughly screened and qualified professionals. Each caregiver undergoes a detailed background check, provides references, and participates in an in-depth interview. We only select caregivers who are genuinely compassionate and dedicated to providing excellent care in Bellingham.

All Family Resource caregivers are trained and come with their own insured vehicles, making errands and shopping more convenient. If preferred, we can also arrange for caregivers to drive the client’s own car.