Healthy eating can boost your elderly parent’s health following a stroke and help him or her regain many of the abilities that were lost or damaged because of the brain attack. Speak with your loved one’s physician and develop a diet plan based on his or her recommendations. Below are some healthy options for senior stroke survivors along with the benefits each food provides.
1. Kale
The vitamin C found in kale can lower the risk of recurrent strokes and reduce inflammation in senior stroke survivors. The leafy green vegetable is full of antioxidants and other nutrients that increase brain function. Eating foods that promote brain health can boost cognition and make daily life easier for your loved one.
2. Brown Rice
This whole grain is low in sodium and should be added to your parent’s diet during the stroke recovery process. Foods like brown rice lower blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of a recurrent stroke. Your loved one should avoid adding salt to brown rice and other whole grains. Instead, use herbs and natural spices to enhance the taste.
If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of at-home care. Richmond Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
3. Fatty Fish
Salmon, tuna, and mackerel are some healthy seafood options for seniors during stroke recovery. The omega-3 fatty acids found in these fish lower the risk of heart disease and fight against inflammation, which are two factors associated with recurrent strokes. Eating fatty fish a few times each week could boost your loved one’s heart health and cognitive abilities.
4. Avocados
After a stroke, critical thinking abilities and processing speed may decrease due to the brain damage experienced during the stroke. However, eating foods like avocados can help older adults think faster and increase their focusing abilities by breaking apart plaque in the arteries and boosting circulation. Eating avocados can also lower cholesterol levels.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Richmond, VA, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place.
5. Beans
Beans are rich in antioxidants and increase blood flow. Adding beans to your loved one’s daily diet could prevent plaque buildup, lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and strengthen brain and bone health. The healthiest beans for senior stroke survivors to consume are navy beans, black beans, and kidney beans.
6. Blueberries
Fruits contain natural sugars and can reduce the craving for desserts while recovering from a stroke. Blueberries are an excellent choice because they’re full of flavonoids and boost neurogenesis and brain function. For more variety, your loved one can add blueberries to oatmeal, yogurt, and smoothies.
7. Tomatoes
Whether your loved one makes tomato soup or adds tomatoes to salads and sandwiches, he or she can receive neuroprotective benefits that reduce brain damage following a stroke. This is due to the lycopene found in tomatoes, which is an antioxidant that can boost heart health.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted senior home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (804) 207-4746.