A person's quality of life can often be improved by focusing on those aspects of health that can be changed. Good health has a lot to do with what you do each and every day. Eating right and being physically active are areas in which you can be in control. The lifestyle habits you choose can have a lot to do with feeling good today and staying healthy tomorrow.
Proper nutrition is basic to good health. The diet of the person in your care should avoid high-calorie, low-nutrient food. As the body ages, a person has to make more of an effort to eat wisely. However, there is no need to change food habits to drastically lower fat intake.
Mealtime can be difficult for those with severe lung disease, making it harder to get essential nutrients and calories. If a person does not get enough calories, the body will use stored nutrients for energy. When this happens, the person becomes weaker and is more likely to get infections. Check with the doctor before starting any special diets, especially for the person with a swallowing impairment. Also, check with a doctor, pharmacist, or registered dietitian to know what effect prescription medicines have on nutritional needs.
