Today is Works for Me Wednesday over at Rocks in my Dryer, and I'm posting a "Backwards" edition because I really need your help.
I need ideas...
My elderly father is recovering from major surgery (several months ago). He lives alone and I go over to his house once a week to help out. Over the past few weeks I've begun to notice a decline in his eating habits. He used to eat fairly healthily, but as his energy is extremely low he's reverted to a lot of processed foods high in salt and simple carbs. He needs to be eating more vegetables and he needs more protein - I believe these will both give him more energy than the food he currently eats.
I don't live close enough to take food to him every day, nor do my siblings. So, I've been thinking about fixing food at my house, freezing it and taking it to him once/week -- things he could just thaw and reheat either on the stove or in the microwave. Even if I'm only able to fix 2-3 meals I think this would help him tremendously. The problem is I've never done much of the "cook-freeze-thaw-reheat" kind of cooking.
So, I'm looking for ideas. I need menu ideas (and maybe recipes) for dinner foods that are heart-healthy, and that I can cook at home, freeze, and take to him.
Any ideas you have would be greatly appreciated.
For what works for others visit Rocks In My Dryer.
5 comments:
Hi,
Yes, good nutrition helps tremendously. I'll start thinking about recipes and post a list for you.
In the meantime, take a peek at my post on how to help and see if you can think of anyone in his circle that you can email it to, someone that would like to help, but may not know what is useful.
Best,
Suzanne
Try iLunchbox.com it is geared for making packed meals for kids, but I don't have kids and I enjoy some of the meals, maybe your dad will too.
Even having precut veggies, boiled eggs, sandwiches etc... available for him to grab (no cooking/reheating required) would probably help a lot.
And as the weather is getting cooler, a huge pot of soup (packing into individual containers maybe) is also fast and easy.
My comment is slightly different, but hopefully helpful. I work with people who have swallowing disorders. Many people don't know that your sensation decreases as you get older. Your father is possibly having to eat foods high in salt to get his food palatable. You might try seasoning that is low in salt, etc. GOOD LUCK.
Also, check with someone (social worker, dr's office, etc.) to find options for meals in your area. Our church delivers meals one time a week, Meals on Wheels, etc.
The ideas are endless as far as what to fix that dad can warm up. However, being a caregiver myself, some folks just don't feel like eating alone. Perhaps, your dad would like a caregiver to come in once or twice a week and just do meal preps. This can be arranged (usually) with a doctors request and better yet, some states allow medicare to help with the expenses. Best of luck to you and your dad!
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