healthy food for elderly that can't cook

[what..the?]

I don't live anyway near them I order them would on Tesco's but they are limited now in what they can cook

a) has anyone any experience of meals on wheels

b) has anyone any thoughts on suitable foods that a no or low cooking like at the moment I am ordering cuppa soups and pre-made pasta salads, cooked fish, cooked chicken,even jacket potatoes ....is a bit of a stretch at the moment

Thanks in advance

[pastafreak]

They REALLY need someone to watch over them. I'd be worried sick.

[what..the?]

thanks for all these answers most people seem to think meals on wheels are ok, are they cooked in people's homes and then delivered by them, or are they cooked professionally in industrial kitchens and then shipped out by the local drivers? I would have thought the latter for health and safety

[bednobs]

mostly ready meals that are warmed up i think

[starone]

Definitely cooked in industrial kitchens, that's why they are so awful (IMO). If they were cooked in people's homes I think they would be much better. Sorry I am swimming against the tide here, but the ones my friend had were inedible.

[what..the?]

they have a cleaner go round twice a week, it's just father that's the trouble, he refuses to leave the house to move into a nice clean bungalow with medical help on tap and laundry and food services provided but no he wants his own independence. Their house is very untidy and dirty even with the cleaner because father is a hoarder he won't let us throw anything out...nightmare,

[what..the?]

thanks Starbuckone I really appreciate your views I don't want it sugar coated...we might have to try the meals and get the parents honest reaction and not force them if their horrible

[pastafreak]

How old are they?
I worry that your father at least may come to some harm,if he is as muddled as he seems to be. Sheltered housing-like what you have described-would be a much better option. As it is-they need someone to look in on them daily.

[starone]

What a shame he won't move into an elderly person's bungalow. They are very nice and some of them have a warden who organises things for them to do and keeps an eye on them or a community room to meet other people. Wish I had the chance.

[woofgang]

I used to be an occupational therapist, now retired. Provided that the house is warm and your folks are adequately clothed and don't wander out in the rain and get wet etc, then cold food won't hurt them, although obviously they may want hot meals. My experience of meals on wheels in London and Hampshire was that they were diabolical. In London, my mum had a carer who used to come in to get mum a hot meal. My Sis did the shopping and used to leave a list of what there was, mum would choose and the lady would heat it up in the oven or microwave depending on what it was but Wandsworth's social services are amazingly good. Keep in mind too that older folk lose taste buds and may need extra salt or seasoning in the food to get them to eat it, so cup soup not necessarily a terrible idea, although no nutrition in it. This is not me making it up, I did training with a dietician, basically and within reason, when people get older and less able to cope, the biggest thing is to keep them eating something even if the diet is less than healthy. Add in some chewable vitamins and maybe just add hot water porridge for fibre. Could your dad heat soup? The fresh ones are good, healthy and tasty and keep well in the fridge for about a week.

[beattie819]

Just a small point about cup a soups. My mum wouldnt eat for over a year, and lived off the special cartons of yoghurt type drinks. She also liked cup a soups, and the district nurse said they are fine, but make them with milk not water, which we did. She is now a fit 92 years old. Fit, but with dementia, but the yoghurt drinks and cup a soups kept her alive till the problem got sorted . Good Luck!

[what..the?]

thanks woofgang

yes luckily they are not wandering father would be the one to do this but mother is able to keep him under control and raise the alarm if he was to go walkies..but this has never happened. They are warm dry and clothed and I will have the regularly check this is still the case

Yes the fresh soup is an option when it comes too the micro wave being an option it would give them variety with their diet....and from experience they are very easy to cook

[what..the?]

yes they do love the little drinking yoghurt that are fashionable these days I buy so many anyone would have thought they are washing in the stuff.

Milk instead of water interesting thanks alot

pasta- they are in their late 70's I think.... they are my 'to be- in laws'