If your senior parent receiving elder care at home has diabetes, grocery shopping is a whole different ballgame. For caregivers of seniors more recently diagnosed, it can be a daunting task knowing what their loved ones can eat, and what they should not.

One way to make it easier is to make a grocery list ahead of time, and to have meals planned out so that you know not only what your senior will be eating for their major meals, but what you need to purchase for each one.

A healthy diet is of utmost importance for people with diabetes. That is why the shopping list is so important, because if your senior’s home and pantry are stocked with unhealthy snacks, they may be more tempted to indulge in the things that they should not be eating which can jeopardize their health and life.

Eating the healthiest foods in modest amounts is recommended as a diabetes diet, and just as important is sticking to regular meal times. Eating foods that are low in fat and calories but high in nutrients is key, as is including lots of fresh fruits and veggies and whole grains as well.

Foods to include on your shopping list:

Vegetables. Broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, and frozen green peas are more easily absorbed for people with diabetes than other vegetables like potatoes, for example.

Dairy. Low-fat dairy options can be added to the diet such as milk, cheese, plain or Greek yogurt.

Protein. Skinless, boneless chicken or turkey breasts, heart-healthy fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna, and eggs and tofu are all good protein options for seniors with diabetes.

Whole grains. Whole wheat pasta and bread, rice, oatmeal, quinoa, and barley are all good choices for people with diabetes.

Good Fats. Avocado, nuts, and oils like olive and peanut can help lower cholesterol levels, but they are high in calories so be sure your senior has these in moderation.

Legumes. Black beans, lentils, and chickpeas are a great substitute for meat and cheese for people with diabetes.

Foods that are unhealthy for people with diabetes are the same foods that are unhealthy for everyone else, but there are also certain foods that can cause extreme blood sugar fluctuations.

Foods to avoid when shopping:

Simple carbohydrates like white bread and pasta, saturated and trans fats, junk foods such as candy, ice cream, and other sugary treats.

Helpful Tip: Hiring a home care company to help with your senior’s elder care needs can take a lot off your plate, including shopping! A caregiver can purchase the items on your diabetes-approved grocery list, and even help with meal preparation. Another perk of having a caregiver at home with your senior is that they can monitor them and be sure they are only eating the foods that they can have on their diabetes diet plan.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Hillsborough, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care.
Call today: (415) 795-2203

source:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/

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Evan Loevner

CEO at Aviva In-Home Care

As a former hospital administrator, I launched Aviva with the goal of having a more focused, direct impact on the delivery of care than I could ever accomplish within a hospital setting. For me, the joy of running an organization like Aviva In-Home Care is having the ability to positively improve the lives of individuals needing customized care. As a passionate Bay Area resident, I know that many local seniors can benefit from new approaches to in-home care, that will bring them more connection to the community, and provide families with a greater sense of comfort that their loved one is indeed matched with an ideal caregiver.

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