Thanksgiving… Ready, set, eat! Now that Thanksgiving is right around the corner, you cannot forget that you are caring for loved ones with multiple medical conditions. During this time, our loved ones are at the mercy of the various kinds of foods that will be prepared. Consider grace during this time of year because many loved ones often miss their ability to participate in preparing the incredible spread that makes the mouth water and belly full.
Family caregivers should prepare to keep the elders engaged while ensuring the foods consumed do not interfere with or exacerbate their health conditions. You know, the turkey, gravy, and cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, ham, macaroni and cheese, many vegetable side dishes, mashed potatoes, collard greens with ham hocks, potato salad, cabbage with salt pork, peach cobbler, pound cakes, sweet potato casserole, roasted sweet potatoes bathed in butter and sugar and cranberry sauce and every other thing you’d expect to blanket the table.
Traditional Thanksgiving dinner should be handled with caution if your loved one has renal disease, heart issues, salt limitations, fluid limitations, diabetes, or medications that limit eating certain foods. Do not let one day of celebration cause problems. Remember portion control. Lastly, many families eat leftovers after the grand day, which can also become problematic with all the fat, salt, meat, gravy, sugar, and alcohol.
As Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate, I am sharing this information and asking that you pay attention. It’s a special day that loved ones should not be deprived of; be cautiously watchful. Moderation and mindfulness are necessary. Smaller portions and making separate foods that limit fat, salt, and sugar are also options. Enjoy yourself and your loved ones. Thanksgiving is a time to remind us to be grateful. It’s a day to be thankful! Be Safe! Be Well!
Dr. Cynthia J. Hickman is a retired registered nurse and case manager, CEO of Your Proactive Caregiver Advocate. She has released her newest book, The Essential Caregiver Training Course for Corporations and Community. From the Lens of Daughter, Nurse, and Caregiver: A Journey of Duty and Honor, and The Black Book of Important Information for Caregivers.