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Nutrition for Erie, PA Seniors

February 1, 2016

 Is It Time For A BrightStar Erie Senior Home Care Provider?

From healthy fats to fiber, aging bodies need certain foods to promote good health. The number of older adults living in their own communities who are malnourished is in the hundreds of thousands, with one expert estimating over one million homebound elders may be malnourished. Good nutrition promotes health in older people and their functioning. Many older Americans, however, aren't eating well. Those who may have lost their teeth find it difficult to chew. Others may have a hard time getting to the grocery store, especially if they no longer drive. Still others simply cannot afford to buy the kind of food that could help keep them healthy. In fact, for many older people it's not a question of eating well but of eating at all. Even today, millions of older Americans are hungry or worried about where their next meal is coming from. Benefits of good nutrition include: Improved energy and feeling of wellness Strengthened immunity Sharpened mental focus Stronger bones and muscles Improved weight control, digestion and regularity Better cardiovascular health Reduced incidence of mood swings and depression, and so much more Senior Home Caregivers can help seniors stay well nourished.  Even by providing meal companionship; spending time with a senior citizen while they enjoy their meal can help encourage and ensure the quality and quantity of the meal. Eating with a companion is a sure way to boost mood and appetite. BrightStar Senior Home Care is committed to providing a health and nutrition to seniors in our location. Some unexpected barriers that prevent seniors from proper nourishment include: Health Changes Along with their biological changes come changes in medications, illness and metabolism. Hormonal imbalance can greatly impact vitamin and mineral absorption. Older adults take more medications than any other age group. Medications can cause loss of appetite, reduced taste and smell, painful swallowing, nausea and vomiting, and can affect the absorption and use of nutrients. Biological Changes As seniors age so does the body. Loss of teeth, changes to the digestive tract. The body produces less of the fluids that it needs to process food in your digestive system when you get older. These changes can make it harder for your body to absorb important nutrients like folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. When these changes occur, the body doesn't burn as many calories, which means you need to eat less to stay at a healthy weight. As a result, the foods consumed should be as nutrient-rich as possible Emotional Changes Seniors who feel depressed or lonely often lose interest in eating. On the other hand, emotional issues may cause some people to eat more and gain unwanted pounds With offices across the country, BrightStar Senior Home Care is the premier and preferred senior home care provider. Led by a professional team of Registered Nurses they consistently, deliver expert, compassionate, and personal care. Only BrightStar Senior Home Care combines industry-leading screening, training, and oversight practices. From local ownership to care teams led by a Registered Nurse, it is our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of seniors entrusted to our care. BrightStar Home Care of Erie proudly provides support for the elderly and children, including 24 hour skilled nursing and support in senior independent and assisted living communities. Additionally we provide Medical Staffing and In-Home Physical Therapy for pediatric, adult and geriatric patients, Companion and Personal Care for Elders with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. We also provide Home Child Care, Sitter and Nanny services for Children and Support for New Mothers.  We Support Veterans and Accept most Long Term Care Insurance benefits, Medicaid, provide Hospice care, Live-in care, CNA, Caregiver, RN, LVN, RN Supervision, Compassionate Care, and Compatibility Guarantees. Other services include safe discharge and transportation from the hospital or rehab facility, Post Op care both short and long term, Pre Operation and preparation help and assistance, and client monitoring for out of town family members.  Our service area includes Erie County and North Central Crawford County including East Springfield, Albion, Saegertown, Cambridge Springs, Rockdale Acres, Union City, West Greene, Corry, North East, Harbor Creek, Wesleyville, Lawrence Park, and neighboring cities.