One of the foundational priorities of a senior retirement community or assisted living facility is the health and wellness of the residents. There are many aspects of health and wellness, including nutrition. Senior nutrition education and counseling are essential and have readily available food choices that align with the changing nutritional needs of older adults.
It’s great to know that delicious food is on the menu but is the menu designed with the health needs of seniors in mind? Calder Woods in Beaumont, TX is proud of its healthy culinary offerings, nutrition education for the elderly residents, and the fact that a nutritionist is on staff. Learn more about how Calder Woods can counsel you or your loved one in maintaining health and wellness through our top-notch, evidence-based senior nutrition program.Â
Call 409.407.7636 or use our online form to get started.
Why Are Nutrition Education and Counseling Necessary?
There are many misconceptions about healthy eating habits and proper nutrition for people over 65. At Calder Woods, not only does our staff of nutrition counselors and chefs fully understand senior nutritional needs, it works to educate and guide our residents to a healthy diet that is also delicious and very satisfying.
What you may not know is that seniors do not need as many calories as they did when they were younger. Therefore, our satisfying meals are geared toward this reduced caloric requirement. In addition, people over 65 need more of specific nutrients. The older body is less efficient in the absorption and manufacture of particular vitamins and minerals, for example:
- Older skin does less well at generating vitamin D from sunlight.
- The body absorbs B12 poorly in the latter years.
- Seniors need more calcium in their diet to counteract bone loss.
Appetite among many seniors decreases, but skipping meals is a bad idea as it can further suppress appetite. At Calder Woods, we encourage our residents to have something at every meal. Seniors also need more fiber in their diets and low sodium, so our recipes and options take these needs into account. The ideal foods for the senior’s plate include lean protein, colorful fruits and veggies, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Our menu items emphasize these beneficial foods.
Senior Nutrition Program at Calder Woods
Calder Woods offers nutritional counseling to all residents, provided by a licensed nutritionist who understands the nutritional needs of aging adults.
Our nutritionists review menu plans with the chefs to ensure they align with the residents’ health needs. But every individual is unique, so though seniors fall into a broad category of people for whom basic nutritional needs are similar, each resident in a community like Calder Woods may have specific requirements. Everything from food sensitivities to medical conditions can be discussed with the nutritionist.
Thanks to our team of nutritionists and skilled chefs, and other food preparers, we can accommodate the needs of those with:
- Celiac disease
- Diabetes
- Cardiac disease
- Cancer
- Acid reflux
- Irritable bowel syndromes
- Food sensitivities, allergies, or intolerance include gluten, dairy, nightshades, etc.
Learn More at Calder Woods in Beaumont, TX
Knowledge is power. At Calder Woods, we want our residents to feel empowered to live their best lives. They can take ownership of their nutrition and feeling confident that they have access to the best nutritional advice. They can also have guidance and the healthiest food choices possible.
The last thing you need to worry about is whether you will have healthy food choices every day. You can trust Calder Woods to make sound, evidence-based decisions about the recipes and menu items we offer our residents. That way, you can enjoy the delicious food without worry.
We can answer all your nutrition and food-related questions, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Our online form will connect you directly to one of our staff, as will a call to 409.407.7636.Â