Gluten sensitivity is becoming more prevalent and can affect people of all ages, including seniors. Helping your elderly loved one maintain a healthy diet is an important component of providing care. Seniors can benefit from following a gluten-free diet in a variety of ways.
Reduced Inflammation
The gluten protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other grains is known to increase inflammation in the body. Inflammation is at the root of many chronic ailments affecting elderly people, including joint pain and arthritis. Switching to a gluten-free diet can reduce these uncomfortable symptoms your loved one may be experiencing.
A home caregiver can prepare meals that suit your parent’s unique dietary needs. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of Home Care Naples. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Increased Cognitive Function
Some studies have shown seniors following a gluten-free diet experience less “brain fog.” Because cognitive decline can occur with aging, avoiding gluten may optimize your loved one’s cognitive functioning. Omitting gluten from the diet may also reduce the risk of cognitive decline thought to result from Alzheimer’s.
Gastrointestinal Support
Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that results in damage to the small intestine if gluten is ingested, is twice as prevalent in older adults. This isn’t surprising, as digestion tends to slow down with age and the gluten protein can be difficult for elderly people to digest. Digestive issues are common in seniors, and taking medications can further affect gastrointestinal functioning. Refraining from ingesting gluten can minimize digestive problems.
From preparing nutritious meals to performing simple housekeeping tasks, older adults often need help with several activities. Naples at-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
Less Risk of Nutritional Deficiencies
Ingesting gluten can block the absorption of necessary nutrients and significantly affect your loved one’s weight and overall wellness. Many older adults already have health issues with related nutritional deficiencies. However, eliminating gluten from the diet can enhance nutrient absorption, reducing your loved one’s risk of malnutrition.
If you need help making sure your loved one gets proper nutrition, a home caregiver can be a wonderful resource. For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Naples, FL, Assisting Hands Home Care is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today.
