Many seniors living at home have fiber, protein, vitamin, and mineral deficiencies. However, with a little encouragement and guidance from family members, older adults can easily enjoy healthy breakfasts made with nutritious ingredients that ensure they get the sustenance they need. With the right selection of ingredients, older adults feel fuller longer, which diminishes the need to snack on unhealthy foods. Breakfasts do not need to be complicated to prepare to be healthy.
Seniors need essential nutrients to sustain their health in their post-retirement years. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Rhode Island home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
1. Egg Cups
Combine eggs with low-fat milk, shredded cheese, chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, spinach, or other vegetables of choice. Pour the ingredients into the compartments of a greased muffin tin and bake. Egg cups are an easy alternative to omelets. The cups can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use. Eggs are a good source of protein and the vegetables add vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Eggs and dairy provide calcium and vitamin D. This quick breakfast enables seniors to enjoy an egg cup along with their favorite toast.
2. Breakfast Pizza
Start with whole-grain flatbread or whole-grain pizza crust, then add freshly chopped vegetables and low-fat cheese. The pizzas can be made in advance and frozen until ready to heat and eat. Alternatively, topping the bread with creamed or ricotta cheese along with fresh berries or spinach and tomato slices provide a no-bake option. This quick meal provides fiber, calcium, protein, and an abundance of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Some seniors face difficulty carrying out minor tasks such as meal prep. Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Rhode Island respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
3. Enriched Toast
Fancy toast is similar to breakfast pizza but uses slices of toasted whole-grain bread instead of crust. Add nut butter of your loved one’s choosing for protein and top with fresh berries or other fruit. Other topping combinations include slices of low-fat cheese or lean meat and sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or other vegetables. Top with another slice of toast to make a healthy and satisfying breakfast sandwich.
4. Fresh Salad
There is no reason older adults cannot have a healthy salad for breakfast. A traditional salad might include healthy greens topped with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and perhaps sliced hard-boiled eggs. Choose arugula, kale, spinach, or other vitamin-rich greens, then top with a low-fat salad dressing. Other ingredients include lean meats, chopped avocado, low-fat cheese, or fresh fruits and nuts. Salads can easily become a complete meal that supplies an abundance of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
5. Cottage Cheese
One cup of low-fat cottage cheese provides 56 percent of an adult’s daily protein requirements. The easily digested cheese is also a good source of calcium and phosphorus along with riboflavin and vitamin B12. Add some fresh fruit for fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Older adults might also consider using freshly chopped bell pepper, onion, and tomatoes. Your loved one can enjoy the breakfast with whole-grain toast and a cup of green tea.
From preparing breakfast to receiving extensive care while aging in place, every senior’s needs differ. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide elderly care. Rhode Island families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your aging loved one, call us at (401) 284-0979 today.