Turning over some or all of the meal preparations to the wellness experts at assisted living communities, like Arbors of Hop Brook, or trying out an elderly meal delivery service can be both a relief and a necessity. Alternatively, investigating delivery food services for seniors is one way to better support your own health or that of older adults in your life while helping maintain current independent living circumstances. Below, learn more about what to consider in your selection process and explore the benefits of elderly meal delivery services.
Delivery Food for Seniors: Selection Considerations
Nutrition choices at any age have a multifaceted impact on one’s health. In addition to brain health and immune system functions, proper nutrition for seniors plays an important role in overall quality of life. Fortunately, food delivery for seniors can help older adults meet their nutritional needs and even specifically target any personal requirements. If you are wondering how to choose which elderly meal delivery service might work best, consider these questions prior to beginning your search:
- Are there any specific dietary considerations or preferences? For example, based on general guidance from healthcare providers and any interactions with current prescriptions or supplements, certain ingredients or types of foods may no longer be part of a senior’s diet. Additionally, some individuals need diets that emphasize low-sodium preparations or support heart health, while others may simply prefer vegetarian or gluten-free dishes. Especially if there is a struggle with or concern about malnutrition, consulting with a medical professional regarding their recommendations and experience with elderly meal delivery services may be beneficial.
- Are there any preparation constraints or preferences? Whether grandma has mentioned feeling a little less dexterous while wielding a paring knife or you are finding it harder to navigate the grocery store, think about what food preparation approach is physically and safely feasible in order to access the necessary nutrition. The responses to this question may determine whether the delivery food for seniors should arrive fully prepared for microwave reheating only or as meal kits, wherein the prep work is done but the final composition and perhaps some easy cooking is left to the home chef.
- Are there any budget concerns or scheduling needs? For some seniors, delivery food may be a special treat or only needed on occasions when the family is out of town. In other cases, financial circumstances may determine what service works, or more ongoing food needs may make a subscription service helpful or necessitate more comprehensive food preparation coverage. Make sure to investigate whether any existing insurance plans may help cover the costs!
Elderly Meal Delivery Service Options
Sometimes, we all just need some inspiration when it comes to preparing senior meals, guidance in choosing nutritious foods or ways to make healthier eating easier! In addition to these meal planning tips from the National Institute on Aging, elderly meal delivery services are a great way for senior adults to have both support and flexibility when it comes to healthy meals. If you or a senior adult in your life requires or would benefit from a little extra help in the kitchen, here are 5 different options to consider.
Groceries and prepared meals: Grocery shop from the comfort of your couch and choose from a variety of prepared meals at either Misfits Market or Thrive Market. Highlighted by the National Council on Aging, these two options may be ideal for people looking to cook a little less frequently, skip the physical or travel component of grocery shopping or balance fresh, home-cooked meals with some prepared meals during the week.
Community Care: Meals on Wheels is a community-based program network that focuses on nutrition and social connections. After locating a provider in the area, this elderly meal delivery service is a low or no cost option that comes with a wellness check and some social connection. Families concerned about individuals living alone may find this aspect of the program supportive for more than just nutritional needs. Importantly, this service first requires an application for participation.
Customizable meal prep kits: With Home Chef, older adults can still enjoy cooking fresh and easy-to-prepare meals with minimal cook times, as well as ready-to-heat meals. Customization features include ingredient filtering and dietary considerations. With this elderly meal delivery service, customers can view the detailed recipe from start to finish to ensure that it is manageable for them in terms of time and cooking of the pre-portioned ingredients that they’ll receive.
Health condition support: Whether meals need to be low sodium or suited for those with diabetes, Magic Kitchen offers many special diet options with their frozen meals for seniors. This elderly meal delivery service option includes both an A La Carte Menu and a Complete Meals Menu, the difference between which is that the latter packages all of the relevant mains and sides together.
Dietary and Texture Modifications: At Mom’s Meals, chefs and registered dieticians collaborate to provide medically tailored meals, including pureed meals for individuals needing texturally-modified dishes. This delivery food for seniors targets their unique needs and circumstances including programs focused on caregivers and individuals, as well as partnerships with case managers, health plans and government programs.
Want to try out a few options for yourself or send a gift box to someone you love? Start by checking which delivery food services for seniors are available in your area and seeing what special offers may be available. For nutritional support in addition to many other services and amenities designed to support senior health, it may be time to start looking into senior living communities, such as Arbors of Hop Brook. To learn more about our comprehensive care community, schedule a tour today!