Nutrition for the
Caregiver
Presented by
Tamika Forkner, MS, RD, LD
November 8, 2013
The Caregiver
• Caregiving
• to give Care
• to take Care of
• to Care for
• to provide Care
What do these terms/phrases mean?
Consider this….
• More than 50 millions Americans are caring for
family members, partners and/or friends.
• Studies show that caregivers are twice as likely to
suffer from depression than the general public.
• Caregivers are also more likely to have high levels of
stress hormones, inhibited immune systems, slow
wound healing, hypertension and coronary heart
disease.
Consider your Care
• Do you often skip and/or delay meals?
• Are you drinking enough
water/liquids?
• Are snacks/fast food/junk food
replacing full meals?
• Do you forget to take your own
medication?
• Have you started medication since
becoming a Caretaker?
Mealtime
A time to slow down and nourish yourself
mentally and physically.
• Enjoy a meal with your loved one(s).
• Take time to enjoy a meal alone.
• Accept the offer of someone making a
meal for you.
The Basic Food Groups
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Dairy/Milk
• Meat/Protein
• Grains/Breads
• Water
Do you get these daily?
Poor Nutrition
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Fatigue
Blood Sugar spikes – Low/High
Dehydration
Unintentional weight changes
Moodiness
Digestive problems
Interrupted sleep patterns
Proper Nutrition
•
•
•
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•
•
•
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Energetic
Hydrated
Blood sugar regulation
Weight management
Cognitive function maintenance
Good digestive health
Mood boost
More restful sleep
Helpful Tips
• Goal: 3 meals & 2-3 snacks
o This goal should include ALL food groups & water.
o Reality: This may not happen.
o ALSO - Accept that “full course meals” may not happen
every day.
• Be prepared!!!
o
o
o
o
Pick one day to cook for the week.
Shop for yourself as if you were a child – snacks, juices, fruits, etc.
Set your phone to alarm every 2-3 hours and eat something.
Stay hydrated - Always keep water with you.
• Your food choices should be as
nutrient dense as possible.
Take time for your Care
The health & well being of your loved one/client
depends on how well you take Care of yourself.
• You must nurture and nourish yourself.
• Take the time:
o Exercise – talk a walk, schedule this with a friend.
o Meditate – wake up 10-15 minutes earlier for this quiet time for
yourself.
o Sit down and eat – whether it’s a meal or a snack.
o Ask for help if you can’t find the time.
Resources
• Family Caregiver Alliance
o www.caregiver.org
• Today’s Caregiver
o www.cargiver.com
• AARP – Caregiver Resource Center
o www.aarp.org
• Caregiver Stress - Nutrition
o www.caregiverstress.com
• Alzheimer’s Blog – “Taking Care of the Caregiver”
o www.mayoclinic.com
Thank You
Any questions?