20 Strategies to Increase Protein Intake for Elderly Parents in Melbourne

Ensuring sufficient protein intake is vital for the overall health, muscle strength, balance, agility, and resilience of older individuals. With 13.3% of those aged 65-84 and 22.5% of those over 85 having undergone joint replacement surgery, the importance of protein for health and recovery is paramount.

At Home Care Assistance Melbourne, we recognise the significance of sufficient protein intake. Our Care Professionals integrate meal preparation into care plans, ensuring your loved one receives the protein they need. To further support you in this endeavour, we’ve compiled some tips to encourage your elderly parents to consume more protein, promoting healing, fluid balance, post-surgery or illness recovery, healthy vision, and balanced hormones and digestive enzymes.

Breakfast

Protein Shakes:

Quick and easy high-protein breakfast. Available in various flavours, suitable for individual preferences. Can be consumed alone or added to coffee or tea.

Nuts and Seeds:

Enhance cereal with nuts or seeds like pumpkin, sunflower seeds, cashews, or flax. Adds protein to a favourite cereal without compromising taste.

Eggs:

Versatile source of approximately six grams of protein per egg. Fried, scrambled, boiled, or poached – diverse preparation options for variety.

Nut Butters:

Peanut, almond, or cashew butter adds a scrumptious protein boost. Mix in with porridge, shakes, or enjoy on sweet potatoes with cinnamon.

Breakfast Bowls:

Greek yogurt breakfast bowl provides 17-20 grams of protein. Add nuts or seeds for additional protein or combine with cereal.

Lunch

Add an Egg:

Similar to breakfast, incorporating eggs into lunch is a simple protein boost. Pre-boil eggs for convenience and quick addition.

Protein in Salad:

Enhance salads with protein sources like nuts, seeds, cottage cheese, eggs, or leftover meat.

Beans:

Quick and easy bean-based meals using chickpeas, quinoa, tomato, parsley, and feta cheese.

Meat Roll-Ups:

Replace sandwiches with meat roll-ups using thinly sliced turkey wrapped around veggies and cheese.

High Protein Soups:

Slow-cooked soups and pureed food for easy-to-eat meals.

Softens meat and beans for easier consumption.

Dinner

Steak:

Lean cuts of steak offer a great protein option. Choose lean cuts for a healthy dinner choice.

Add Cheese:

Cheese not only adds protein but also enhances taste. Options like cottage cheese or slices of hard cheese provide variety. Grilled Chicken Breast: Lean grilled chicken breast with vegetables for a high-protein, healthy meal.

Meatless Monday:

Explore plant-based protein options like chickpea falafel, bean soup, or tofu in a vegetable stir fry.

Fish:

Add variety with fish, such as tuna or salmon, contributing around 25 grams of protein per serving. Try different types of fish for diversity.

Snacks

Nuts and Seeds:

Easy and healthy snack with ample protein. Convenient for whenever hunger strikes.

Cheese:

Solo or paired with biscuits, fruit, or vegetables for a high-protein snack.

Smoked Salmon:

Traditionally a meal, smoked salmon in salads or with veggies makes an excellent protein snack.

Healthy Cured Meats:

Alone or with vegetables or cheese for added protein.

Ideal with carrot or celery sticks.

Egg:

Boiled eggs, already prepared for breakfast or lunch, make a quick protein-boosting snack.

By incorporating these ideas into your loved one’s diet, you can elevate their protein intake for better health. If meal preparation becomes a concern, consult with your loved one’s Specialised Care at Home Care Assistance Melbourne about including it in their care plan.