Eating Well This Autumn

The Role of Nutrition in Senior Health: October’s Focus on Eating Well & Seasonal Recipes

As we get deeper into fall, we say farewell to the lingering flavors of summer and embrace the warm, comforting tastes of autumn. Whether you're a pumpkin spice enthusiast or a fan of fresh squash and zucchini from your local farmer’s market, there's a fall recipe for every palate.

 The Importance of Balanced Nutrition for Seniors

For seniors, eating healthy in the autumn is particularly important as the season brings cooler temperatures and a higher risk of illness. A balanced fall diet packed with seasonal fruits and veggies helps boost immunity, manage weight, and provide the energy needed to stay active. Nutrient-rich foods like squash, apples, and Brussels sprouts offer vitamins and minerals that support bone health, heart function, and mental clarity. Your Seniors Helping Seniors® caregiver is always ready to help with meal preparation or cook your favorite dishes, ensuring you stay healthy and nourished. Just ask, and they’ll be there to make it happen!

 Eat Up Tasty Fall Flavors

One of the best ways to embrace the fall season is through delicious, seasonal foods! Check out your local farmer's market for fresh inspiration or take it up a notch by heading to an apple orchard to pick your own apples. It’s a fun way to enjoy the crisp autumn air and add some fresh flavors to your diet. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds over a salad for a nutritious crunch, or check out the recipes below to make the most of the season's bounty!

October Recipe Ideas for Seniors

Butternut Squash and Kale Salad

This colorful salad is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, which are important for immune function and bone health. The fiber in kale and squash aids digestion, while pumpkin seeds add a crunchy source of protein and healthy fats.

 Ingredients:

·     1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed

·     2 cups kale, chopped

·     1/4 cup dried cranberries

·     1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

·     1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

·     2 tablespoons olive oil

·     1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

·     Salt and pepper to taste

 Instructions:

1.       Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.

2.       In a large bowl, massage the chopped kale with a little olive oil until it becomes tender.

3.       Add the roasted squash, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and pumpkin seeds to the kale.

4.       Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, toss well, and serve.

Fall is a fantastic time for everyone—from kitchen beginners to culinary pros—to explore seasonal recipes! With a bounty of fresh fruits and veggies in season, healthy eating is simple. Get cooking and enjoy the taste of the season!

Thank You Dinner - Nov 12

Our Caregivers make this company what it is. From the amazing care you give and the remarkable reputation Seniors Helping Seniors experiences in the community - our caregivers are the foundation we build upon. While we looked for a new celebration idea this year, it seems that the Thank You Dinner is a keeper!

Four Chefs will again cater the dinner, but that’s the only thing the same. Watch for a new menu and some surprising extras that we’ve added to the night to make it even more fun.

Join us on November 12 at 6pm in the Parish Center off Diamond for Dinner. You and one guest are invited to celebrate YOU!

You must RSVP in order for us to make sure we have a place for you.

You can now request an Open shift

We are please to share with you new features that have been added to WellSky.

Request an Open Shift be assigned to you

You will be able to see open shifts 2 days from the current date up to 7 days in the future on the Menu in the WellSky mobile app for Clients that you have been with in the past.. When you Request a shift, your response is sent to a Scheduler. You will see their response in the same place as either Scheduled or Denied, if someone else responed first.

Manage your Calendar

From the WellSky menu you can update both Hours Wanted and your Unavailability. It really helps the scheduling process if you keep this information current. Booking days off is very easy, just input your unavailability. This will keep you from being offered shifts when you are not able to work. Unavailable dates are limited to dates that you do not already have a client scheduled. If you need to cancel a shift, you still need to text that to a Schduler at 616-234-0190 and indicate whether you want to use PTO for your time away.

So Nice to See Everyone

Thank you to all that attended our August employee social and training. It is always great to see our wonderful caregivers and catch up. Our next gathering with be purely social, as we are planning our annual Caregiver Appreciation event. While we don’t have a firm date, you can expect it to be the week of Nov 11. (If you missed any portion of the presentation, you can see it here.)

Grocery App

One of the most common questions after the meeting was about the discounted services from Walmart. Walmart Assist provides Low-income access to Walmart Plus’s free delivery feature and removes the minimum order requirement. It is only $49 year through Assist. If you have questions on how to set up an account for a client, please give Danna a call. Click here for more information.