It can be so difficult to help your elderly family member to get all of the nutrients that she needs to stay as healthy as possible, especially when it’s difficult for her to do things like cook every day. Companion care at home can help with that, and in honor of World Plant Milk Day on August 22, your senior might want to consider giving plant milks a try in place of dairy.
Milk Allergy and Lactose Intolerance
Lots of people go through life being able to tolerate milk and dairy products just fine, but then find themselves eventually dealing with lactose intolerance or even a milk allergy. Avoiding the pain and discomfort associated with these issues is a lot easier if your elderly family member switches to plant-based dairy products.
Mucus Production
Dairy products have been known to increase mucus production in the respiratory system, which can be as simple as an irritation for your senior or it can be more. If your elderly family member already has issues with asthma or other lung issues, even a little bit of excess mucus can cause serious breathing issues. Cutting back on dairy and replacing it with plant milk might make a difference.
Cardiovascular Health
Cow’s milk and dairy products are high in saturated fats, which are linked to cardiovascular issues. Swapping out some dairy, including milk, for plant-based dairy alternatives might help your senior to reduce her risk of certain cardiovascular problems. This can be an easy way for her to stick within fat limits that her doctor recommends, too.
Bone Density
Dairy is a popular choice for people who are trying to improve their bone health. That’s because dairy products are high in vitamin D, calcium, and other nutrients that help with bone density. But dairy isn’t unique there. Plant milks are also high in calcium, as well as other nutrients that might be on the top of the list your senior’s doctor gave her for improving bone health.
Hormones
Plant milks don’t have hormones in them, which can make a huge difference in your senior’s overall health. It varies as to what hormones are present in dairy products, but if your elderly family member is sensitive to even small amounts, then avoiding dairy products may be a good idea.
How Companion Care at Home Can Help
Making changes to your senior’s diet sometimes means making changes to habits she’s had for years. That can be tough to do, but with companion care at home, she can have help making those adjustments.
If you are considering companion care at home in West Houston, TX, for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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