Families who choose to take on the task of meal preparation for their older loved ones can make it easier by preparing dishes in advance. The meals can then be refrigerated or frozen for later use. There are many different recipes to consider. However, family caregivers must ensure the dishes they prepare are rich in nutrients to help seniors maintain optimal health.
1. Breakfast Sandwiches
Breakfast sandwiches are a great way for seniors to get a healthy breakfast that contains plenty of protein. After preparation, they’re individually wrapped and refrigerated or frozen. An older adult can simply heat a sandwich in the microwave and enjoy. Stack a slice of ham or bacon on a whole wheat bun or English muffin. Top the meat with a slice of cheese and a poached egg. Put the other bun or muffin on top and wrap.
2. Overnight Oats
Mash bananas in a bowl, then mix in some peanut butter and uncooked oats. Add a sufficient amount of milk. Maybe add a bit of cinnamon and honey. Spoon the mix into individual serving containers. Top each with sliced bananas and maybe some chocolate shavings and cover. By morning, the oats have absorbed the milk and are ready to be enjoyed.
3. Quiche
Make a quiche by combining low-fat ricotta cheese, yogurt, and eggs. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Add sautéed mushrooms and onions along with diced asparagus and crumbled bacon, then bake the mixture. Slice into individual servings and wrap each serving. The dish can be enjoyed for lunch with a fresh fruit or vegetable salad.
Ready-made meals such as these can be a big help to family caregivers, too. Caring for an aging adult takes a lot of time and effort, and caregivers can use every bit of help they can get, including time to take care of themselves. Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Montgomery families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.
4. Chicken Veggie Bowls
Put a serving of cooked brown or white rice in each serving bowl. Add diced grilled or roasted chicken and a variety of cooked vegetables to each bowl. Vary the mix for each serving. Consider adding cooked asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, and tomatoes. Your loved one can simply reheat the bowl and eat it with a slice of whole wheat bread or crackers and perhaps a salad.
Some seniors may have difficulty completing tasks as simple as reheating a meal, or they may forget to eat altogether. If you’re concerned about your parent’s ability to remain living alone safely, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elderly home care. Families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
5. Lasagna
This classic Italian dish is always a welcome treat that can easily be refrigerated or frozen after baking. Make the dish healthier by substituting slices of eggplant or zucchini in place of pasta for added nutrition and fewer calories. After baking, slice the dish into individual servings. This way, your loved one just needs to reheat one serving when desired.
6. Poultry Chili
Dice some garlic and onions and sauté in olive oil. Add diced chicken or turkey, low-salt chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and a combination of black, kidney, and pinto beans. Season with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix a couple of tablespoons of powdered cornmeal with warm water, add it to the chili, and allow time for it to thicken. Spoon the mix into individual serving bowls if desired. Top each bowl with a bit of grated cheese and low-fat sour cream.
Making nutritious meals ahead of time is one of the most thoughtful things you can do, especially if your loved one has difficulty cooking or managing other tasks of daily life. If your parent needs a bit of extra help, consider bringing in a professional caregiver. Montgomery at-home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers. If you need professional home care for your loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (334) 593-3988.