If caring for an aging relative feels like a full-time job, that’s because it is. As people age, they lose mobility and become more dependent on others for everything from getting dressed in the morning to bathing at night. If you can’t provide the care your loved one deserves, turn to the compassionate team at West Vue in West Plains, MO, for help. With locations on Davis Drive and North Kentucky Avenue, their staff is dedicated to providing quality senior care, including meal assistance.

Providing delicious and nutritious food is an important part of elderly care. Senior citizens are vulnerable to malnutrition because appetite typically decreases with age and the ability to taste diminishes. This makes eating less appealing to them, so the food they consume must be packed with vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition weaken the immune system, increasing a person’s risk of contracting an illness. Since people in senior care no longer are in optimal health, even minor infections can have devastating consequences. This makes a diet plan critical to excellent elderly care.

Dietary needs vary among individuals, but a good menu includes fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, dairy, and healthy fats. Since the body’s metabolic rate and caloric needs decrease with age, it’s natural for a senior citizen to have a diminished appetite. However, you still should serve all of the components required for a healthy diet — just provide them in smaller portions.

West Vue in West Plains, MO, will ensure your loved one is eating well as part of an effective senior care routine. They also provide exceptional nursing care and rehabilitation services to ensure every resident remains as healthy as possible. Visit their website to learn more about the services provided at this trusted retirement home, and call their Davis Drive facility at (417) 256-2152 or their North Kentucky Avenue location at (417) 256-1292 to discuss your family’s elderly care needs.