Cooking for Seniors with Dental Challenges

Part of digesting food well relies on our ability to chew foods thoroughly. We use our teeth to bite, tear, and chew carrots, meat, and even apple pie. Eating can be painful for seniors who lose their teeth and may rely on dentures. You may find that your mother no longer eats like she used to and appears a little thinner. Before this happens, it is a good idea to make some changes that will give her the ability to get the nutrients she needs and still enjoy her meals.
Some techniques and suggestions will make food enjoyable again for your loved one. To ensure their needs are met, it is a wise choice to enlist the services of a trained personal support worker. The process is simple, and before you know it, your Mom or Dad will receive the support they require to continue living comfortably at home.

Suggestions for Alleviating Chewing Difficulties

We often take our teeth for granted. However, it is harder to eat once we start losing adult teeth. You can help Mom and Dad get the nutrition they need with these suggestions that rethink how foods should be prepared:

1. Fruits. This food group may be the easiest one to eat. Fruits offer many vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants that benefit the body. Some can be chewed, such as berries, grapes, kiwi, and bananas, even without teeth. Those that need chewing can be blended into soft desserts and thick smoothies—such as apples, peaches, melons, papaya, and so on.
2. Vegetables. Though they are a little harder to chew than fruits, your loved one still needs the nutritional value they provide. Steaming vegetables is an excellent option as it keeps the food's nutrients while softening it. It is also easy to use your soup pot and cook some delicious vegetable-based soups and stews. Some vegetables, like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale, are great in smoothies, too.
3. Lentils and beans. Slow cooking beans and lentils will soften them, making them easier to eat. They are loaded with fibre, vitamins, and protein. You can use them as a dip or add them to soups. Many dishes use lentils and beans regularly—think South Asian and Mexican cuisine!
4. Meats. Dad may not get to eat his steak on his birthday if he has trouble chewing. There are alternative ways to cook meat, though, so it is tender and easy to eat. For example, you can use a slow cooker (i.e., crockpot) or an electric pressure cooker. Shredded pork and chicken are excellent options. Flaky fish is also a great way to still eat meat without chewing too much.

Senior Caregivers Can Help Make Mealtimes Easier

Caring for aging adults requires time and dedication. For those who have young families, it is hard to split your time between your parent and your children and spouse. Making sure your dad or mom is eating well as they struggle with chewing problems only compounds your stress. You can rest easier knowing that your loved ones are well-cared for when you invest in the senior caregiver services from Home Instead Waterloo, ON. We tailor the homecare services you need for your loved ones, so you know they will get precisely what they need to remain independent. Our team can cook nutritious meal, do light housekeeping, provide company, and even care for people suffering from Alzheimer's and other dementias. Check us out today!

Call us at (519) 571-1665 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver every day, to families in Kitchener-Waterloo, Breslau, Conestogo, Elmira, St Jacobs, and surrounding areas.