Food Accessibility Resources
For Limited Mobility Loved Ones
Article By | Lizzie West
Whether due to age-related reasons or a degenerative diagnosis, loved ones may eventually become limited in their abilities to provide for themselves. In these situations, they may need assistance at varying levels to help them continue to thrive and sustain. Food accessibility is such a pivotal part of creating longevity for loved ones of varied ability levels. Throughout my time as a family member responsible for caregiving, our household has created some routines utilizing resources that are widely available in order to make the workload lighter for everyone. We’d love to share these resources because it’s tremendously important to actively create a network of care for loved ones in need.
In-home tools
At times, loved ones may become physically limited or forgetful. It’s crucial to have tools in place to help maintain their autonomy as long as possible with an emphasis on safety. In our case, the family member loves eggs and prefers to eat them daily for breakfast. Coincidentally, using a stove is not an ideal or safe cooking method given the circumstances. We’ve come across a microwave safe egg cooker, with an option to make poached eggs as well. It can even be used to make other one portion meals, for those creative caretakers open to offering occasional assistance. Using this tool, they can continue to cook breakfast independently, and it’s safer than operating an hot stove or remembering to turn off a gas burner.
Ready-made Protein-packed meals
Many grocery stores carry a variety of easy to grab nutrient-rich meals. We look for options with lean meats, nuts, small amounts of fruit, fresh vegetables, and whole grains. We also aim to K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Sweetie). Is limited budget a consideration? Someone can help “meal prep” these kinds of protein packed meals or snack packs using ingredients purchased and divided into reusable bento style containers to cut costs long-term. Another option is purchasing a rotisserie chicken or nitrate-free turkey meat to shred and combine with packaged salad mixes for an easy, healthy meal. We also love to add some pickled okra on the side for extra flavor and variety.
Snack time!
We keeping individual serving cups of guacamole, hummus, or chicken salad available with whole grain chips and crackers very helpful and accessible. If limiting carbs is a concern, crackers or chips made from black beans or chickpeas can be very tasty. Sliced vegetables are an option to add variety and nutrients with a simple dip. We have recently started prepping a weekly vegetable tray that lives in the refrigerator. Often, it doesn’t last an entire week because we grab snacks from it constantly. We swap out different vegetables and dips (keeping the favorites on the regular menu) to prevent us from getting tired of the same old thing. This is also something that can be dropped off by a friend or family member once a week who isn’t able to be more involved with care but wants to help out.
Food Deliveries
Speaking of helpers that want to offer support but may not have proximity or availability to frequently be there in person – they can still help! They can program their limited mobility loved one’s address into most store apps that offer delivery. At an agreed upon schedule, a list of needs ca be sent to them and they can send those things to be delivered directly to the household. Be sure to schedule the delivery when someone who is able to lift and put away the order is available. It’s one way out of towners can offer help. Many food assistance programs can be added to approved accounts through store apps for payment as well. There are additional limitations and security controls to help protect against fraudulent use. Another great delivery option is to make the meals yourself and portion them into freezable containers, like an ultra-clean “TV dinner”. We recently did this for a loved one that lives out of town and had recently returned home from an unexpected hospital stay. Another family member was heading for a visit, so they delivered the meals for us as we were unable to leave at the time. This is a great idea for anyone with dietary restrictions, because you know all the ingredients are safe for them to consume.
These aren’t the only ways to help increase food security for loved ones with mobility limitations, but it’s a start. In our house, we strive to stay open to new and evolving ways to make it easier to provide for and offer respectful assistance to our loved ones that would benefit from it. And remember, always ask for help. In most cases, the worst that will happen is they say “no”. Feel free to use any and all of these ideas of create a spin on them to make them work for you. It’s a great feeling to know that you are helping contribute to the longevity and quality of life for a loved one in need. I hope these tips help increase the health of your family and the bonds you all share.
Lizzie West is a local B/CS baker, make-up artist, Mary Kay consultant, writer, and the Bryan Broad-casting Digital Content Coordinator. Find more of her contributions and recipes in our magazines including Brazos Wellness, PEACE: Brazos Christian Life, Brazos Family, and Brazos Valley Bride at BrazosLife.com.