How to Cook for a Senior Citizen
Finding items to cook for your elderly loved one can be a challenge. Not only do taste buds change as we age, but, add in medications (which can also affect taste), and the fact that, sometimes, senior citizen hands can't necessarily twirl spaghetti and you have a very interesting time ahead of you in the kitchen. But, with a bit of creativity, there are many very good meals which can be had.
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Instructions
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The first step in preparing satisfying meals for the elderly is to consult your elderly loved one for their preferences. Make sure you research and understand any dietary restrictions before gathering ingredients. Consider also textures with the items you prepare - Aunt Millie's teeth might not be able to hold up to corn on the cob so a nice, fresh corn salad might make more sense.
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Keep it simple - Most elderly people (in my experience) prefer simple meals so forget that beef wellington you were thinking about - a nice homey meatloaf and mashed potatoes will probably be more satisfying. Peanut butter and jelly might seem to you and me like the go-to when nothing else is in the house but Aunt Millie might see it as a special treat.
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Prepare comfort foods - Aunt Millie might have warm thoughts about chicken soup and matzo balls from her youth so research the recipes of yore and mix it up as a surprise. My mom says 'Chicken soup is always comforting, no matter what ails you.' We eat a lot of soup around here. My mom also adores liver and onions (ewwwww) so I'll prepare that for her once in a while (if no one else is around!).
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Consider buying a vacuum sealer so you can prepare frozen meals - a good homecooked dinner they can pop in the microwave beats a tv meal any day. Vacuum seal whole meals on microwavable plates too so they can just pierce the plastic wrap, place in 'nuker and go. At any one time, I have macaroni and cheese, meatloaf slices, prepared pork chops, fried rice, and chinese noodle dishes in the freezer. Mom loves being able to get her own food when I'm not here.
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Keep fast side dishes available in the pantry - My mom loves those packaged noodle sides so, at least one night a week, dinner is an 8 minute preparation of noodles, tuna fish salad, and a small vegetable serving. Rice is also a good thing to keep handy for a fast preparation and freezes well.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep the following in the pantry; small single servings of applesauce and fruit which can satisfy a sweet tooth; those Campbell's soups to go are nice and easy but make sure your elderly loved one can open them; Small, single servings of cookies, crackers or chips.
Make 100% SURE you've researched and understand dietary restrictions before you get cooking. You certainly don't want to make anyone sick, unless, that is, you don't really like Aunt Millie....
I only make items which can be heated in the microwave as I don't like my Mom anywhere near my gas stove.
Resources
- Top five foods for those needing a soft diet
- How to Prepare Lunches for A Senior Citizen When You're Not Home
- How to Buy Clothing for The Elderly
- How to Assist A Senior Citizen During an Overnight Stay In Hospital
- How to Prepare Your Home For Life With a Senior Citizen
- How to Find Items to Make Life Easier For a Senior Citizen
- How to Find Skin Care Products For the Elderly
- How to Remain Young at Heart
- How to Sneak Calories Into An Elderly Person's Diet
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Comments
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talk and listen to them.
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brantsbabe
Feb 01, 2009
Great advice on cooking for elderly people. -
MommyTeach
Feb 01, 2009
Excellent. Thanks.5*
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Virginia Allain
Jan 31, 2009
These are good tips for finding appealing meals for an older person. Check on those shelf-stable meals (not frozen) that you just heat up. My dad likes the roast beef one.
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teachermom
Jan 30, 2009
Great article! Thanks!
