Special Diets and Nutritional Needs in Senior Living Communities

Food plays a vital role in our lives, not just for health reasons but also as a way to connect with others. In senior living communities, meal times are about more than eating. They are essential times for socialization. Sharing meals allows residents to give and receive peer support and learn about what is happening within the community. Further, seeing others eating healthily encourages them to do the same. 

At Buckner Villas, we prioritize the nutritional needs of our residents. We understand that each person has unique dietary requirements and are committed to meeting them. Our senior nutritional counseling program is designed to address these individual needs, including special diets. 

Call 512.580.9882 to meet our nutritional counselor and explore our diverse dining options. 

Identifying Nutritional Needs in Senior Living Communities

When new residents come to Buckner Villas, part of the moving-in process is a comprehensive assessment of their nutritional needs. This includes talking with nutrition experts to identify current eating habits, likes and dislikes, and special dietary needs, like plant-based, low-sodium, or texture-modified diets. Bloodwork helps identify other needs, like vitamin or protein deficiencies. This thorough process ensures that we completely understand each resident’s nutritional needs. 

The following are nutrients that are particularly vital for seniors and why:

• Protein – Helps produce enzymes, build muscle mass, and repair tissue
• Fiber – Promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation
• Calcium and vitamin D – Essential for bone health to prevent osteoporosis and fractures
• Vitamin B12 – Necessary for maintaining nerve function and red blood cell production
• Iron – Helps prevent anemia
• Potassium – Helps maintain heart function and healthy blood pressure
• Omega-3 fatty acids – Vital to multiple bodily functions, including heart, eye, and brain health
• Vitamins A and C – Antioxidants that promote healthy immunity and skin health
• Magnesium – Contributes to bone health, regulates blood sugar levels, and supports nerve and muscle functions
• Zinc – Supports the immune system and aids in healing wounds

With aging, fundamental cellular activity changes make absorbing these essential vitamins and nutrients more difficult. Though diet is the best way to get these nutrients, supplements are sometimes needed to help maintain healthy levels. 

Meeting Nutritional Needs in Senior Living

Sometimes, more than identifying nutritional needs and developing individualized meal plans is required to support healthy eating in senior living. Understanding how and why eating habits change with age can provide insight into developing solutions to improve them. The following are common barriers to healthy eating among seniors:

• Swallowing difficulties
• Dental issues
• Depression
• Dementia
• Chronic illness
• Interactions with medications
• Limited mobility
• Transportation issues
• Lack of access to healthy food sources
• Age-related appetite loss

While moving into senior living eliminates some of these barriers, such as transportation and lack of access to healthy food, it is essential to recognize that changing unhealthy eating habits takes time. Some of the strategies that can be used to encourage healthy eating include:

• Educating family members about nutritional needs and engaging them in encouraging healthy eating
• Ensuring that residents have easy access to healthy snacks and beverages throughout the day
• Providing diets with modified textures like purees 
• Seasoning food with fresh herbs and spices rather than salt
• Ensuring that food looks and smells appealing
• Encouraging social dining
• Respecting cultural and personal food preferences
• Planning programs and activities that support healthy eating, like cooking classes or themed meals
• Providing numerous meal times and varied menus

At Buckner Villas, we utilize these strategies and more to promote healthy eating and effectively manage our residents’ nutritional needs as part of our overall health and wellness program. 

Call Today to Schedule a Consultation at Buckner Villas for Senior Nutritional Counseling

At Buckner Villas, we are committed to enabling residents to live their best lives in retirement. We know that food is essential not just to physical health but also to social and emotional well-being. Call 512.580.9882 or complete our online form to learn more about senior nutritional counseling and plan a visit to see why we are the premier choice for senior living in Austin, TX.