Meal  Preparation & Planning in Grants Pass

Barriers to proper nutrition in Grants Pass

As people age, it is common for their interest in food to decline, often due to changes in taste buds. Research shows that our perception of flavor diminishes over time, which can lead to a reduced appetite. Certain medical conditions and medications may further affect taste and smell, making food less appealing. In some cases, health issues can make chewing or swallowing difficult. For those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, mealtime can shift from being a familiar, enjoyable routine to a confusing or stressful experience. Seniors who live alone may also find mealtimes isolating.

In Grants Pass, older adults with physical or cognitive impairments may face additional challenges when it comes to planning, shopping for, and preparing meals, making it harder to maintain proper nutrition. Many may also avoid cooking healthy meals because it feels like too much effort for just one or two people. As a result, they may rely on frozen or packaged foods, which are often less nutritious. Addressing these barriers is essential to help seniors maintain a balanced diet that supports their overall 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 Grants Pass.

At Family Resource Home Care, we are committed to providing high-quality care and services that help seniors remain healthy, safe, active, and independent. In Grants Pass, we customize our services to match each client’s unique needs and preferences, ensuring they enjoy the quality of life they deserve. Our caregivers are experienced, highly skilled, and deliver attentive, compassionate support when it matters most.

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

Once we have a thorough understanding of the client’s personality, preferences, and care needs, we thoughtfully match them with a caregiver from our team of carefully vetted professionals. Each caregiver completes an extensive screening process that includes background checks, reference verification, and an in-depth interview. We work only with caregivers who demonstrate genuine compassion and a strong commitment to the well-being of their clients in Grants Pass.

All Family Resource caregivers receive proper training and have their own insured vehicles, making it easy to handle shopping and errands. When preferred, arrangements can also be made for caregivers to use the client’s vehicle.