Did you know that a Vitamin D deficiency could cause serious health problems for your senior loved one? Doctors are discovering that millions of seniors have Vitamin D deficiency even if they are taking a supplement that contains Vitamin D. And a lack of Vitamin D can cause weakened bones, poor healing from cuts or infections, and it can contribute to illnesses like cancer. As seniors age their bodies don’t process multivitamins and supplements as effectively as they used to so even taking a supplement or multivitamin may not provide the necessary amount of Vitamin D.

The best source of Vitamin D is sunlight, but since so many seniors aren’t as active as they should be they may not get outside long enough to get a healthy dose of Vitamin D. Doctors say that it takes about 20-30 minutes of sunlight exposure to get the recommended amount of Vitamin D. Seniors who live in places with long winters may go months without getting the Vitamin D that they need to stay healthy. If your senior loved one has trouble getting around outside companion care at home with a home care provider can make it easier. A home care provider can take your senior for walks or spend time with them outdoor to ensure they are getting a healthy dose of sunlight.

In the winter or if your senior parent lives in an area that is usually cloudy a sun lamp that mimics natural sunlight can be a good alternative to spending time outdoors.

Foods With Vitamin D

Home Care Services Palm Beach County, FL: Vitamin D Deficiency

Another good source of Vitamin D is food. Foods with Vitamin D are easier for the body to process so your senior parent will probably get more of the Vitamins they need from food than they would from a supplement. Fortified milk is a great source of Vitamin D and it’s inexpensive and easily accessible. Just one or two glasses of milk each day will give your senior parent the Vitamin D they need. Other foods rich in Vitamin D include:

• Cod liver oil
• Salmon and all fatty fish
• Mushrooms
• Cereal
• Chicken
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Rice
• Apples
• Bananas
• Sunflower seeds
• Edamame
• Lentils
• Eggs

There are so many foods that contain Vitamin D that any senior should be able to find at least one food that they like on that list. Also there are foods that are quite inexpensive like lentils that contain Vitamin D so seniors on a budget don’t have to sacrifice their health in order to keep costs down.

However, many foods with Vitamin D need to be cooked. That can be a challenge for some seniors who either can’t cook or don’t want to cook meals just for themselves. Companion care at home can solve that problem. An at home care provider will make meals fun by cooking, eating, and cleaning up with your senior parent when you can’t. Sharing meals and companionship will help your senior parent’s physical and mental health.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care Services in Palm Beach County, FL please contact the caring staff at Elite Senior Home Care today. (561) 570-6613

Elite Senior Home Care provides Home Medical Equipment!
Visit www.EliteMedicalSupplyFL.com

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20010516/too-many-elderly-lacking-in-vitamin-d#1

https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/prevention/vitamin-d