Why Should You Establish Set Meal Times For Your Elderly Dad?

As a busy family caregiver, it’s hard to keep up with everything you do to help your dad, keep up with household chores, and get your work-at-home job duties completed. Your dad is also crankier than usual. Could his scattered meal times be causing his hangry attitude? Here are a few benefits of having set meal times for your parent, and how senior home care can help him stick with them.

It Doesn’t Interact With His Medications

If your dad has prescription pills that he has to take on a full or empty stomach, scheduled meals are essential. If he has a meal late, it can lead to him having to take medications incorrectly or late.

When your dad takes certain pills late, it can impact his health. His meals and medications must follow a strict schedule.

It Helps Stabilize His Blood Sugar Levels

Does your dad have prediabetes or diabetes? Huge meals a few times a day can impact blood sugar levels. It’s better to have smaller meals more frequently to keep his blood sugar levels stable all day and night.

Instead of eating three meals, consider doing six smaller meals every four hours. It will make a big difference in how he feels.

It Keeps His Energy Up

Regular meals help your dad’s energy levels too. When his sugar levels peak and plummet, he might find himself very tired and wanting to nap. If he’s really tired, he may be more likely to fall.

Keep him on a regular schedule of meals and snacks and he has the energy needed to do things he enjoys. He has the energy to go for a walk, work in his garden, or help you with housework.

It Lowers the Risk of Waking In the Middle of the Night

Does your dad often wake in the middle of the night with his stomach growling? Does he wake up with heartburn? This happens when you lay down to sleep before digestion has started. Stomach acid seeps into the esophagus and makes it very hard to sleep.

When your dad can sleep all night and get the recommended seven or eight hours, it’s ideal for his health. A solid night’s sleep aids his mental and physical health as it gives the body time to relax and recover from all of the day’s activities.

It Provides Stability

Your dad may benefit from a routine, especially if he has a health condition like dementia. Regular routines ease stress and that can help your dad avoid meltdowns that throw off the rest of the daily schedule.

Hire Senior Home Care to Have Meals and Snacks Ready on Time

Are you struggling to keep your dad’s meal times on track? It’s time to consider the benefits of having meal preparation services from a senior home care aide. Your dad’s meals are prepared on time by a senior home care aide, which frees up your time to focus on other tasks.