As your parents or other loved ones age, they sometimes have physical or mental disabilities that require more care than you can give at home. Nursing homes are an option that can work well. These facilities provide a room, meals, activities with other seniors and most importantly, round-the-clock health care and supervision.
Older folks often have trouble getting around, and it is common for them to fall. Sometimes, these falls can result in injuries, such as to the hips. Naturally, you want to do everything you can to prevent falls. A proper diet may be able to help.
Vitamin D and calcium
Falls in nursing homes tend to break or fracture fragile bones. One way to avoid these injuries is to ensure that seniors get sufficient amounts of Vitamin D and calcium. These nutrients build bone density and strength and can help mitigate damage should a fall occur. Additionally, stronger bones provide greater stability that can potentially prevent falls from happening in the first place.
Protein
Strong muscles and connecting tissues such as tendons and ligaments can also help prevent falls. Balance is better when the muscles of the lower body have the necessary strength to hold a senior up. Protein is an essential nutrient that promotes this strength. Good sources of protein are lean poultry, fish, legumes, eggs and nuts. These sources provide the recommended amounts of protein without adding harmful fat and cholesterol.
Though a diet rich in essential nutrients can reduce the likelihood of a fall, nursing home neglect can increase this risk. To protect your loved one, watch for signs that the nursing home staff is not providing proper care.