Hint: preparing food in oven is less stressful

dancsfo · July 15

I cook most meals for PWD, unless it's takeout. I found that using an oven causes fewer problems, since using a cooktop will often encourage PWD to "help", which causes more problems and poses danger.

With an oven (let's say it's baked cod on a sheet pan), you can quickly prep, put into oven and wait until done.

While this may reduce variety in the meals prepared, it seems OK since PWD may not remember if there was a repeated menu.

tigersmom · July 15

@dancsfo , I agree with you. I use my oven all the time now. DH loves sweet potatoes, and I put them in first and add the protein (usually fish) later.I also use my microwave for vegetables almost daily, and my instant pot when it is too hot to turn on the oven. Like you, I have found that simpler, more recognizable meals are better, and repeating menus is not a problem.

SusanB-dil · July 15

Also agree - repeat meals is a non-issue. But along with oven or microwave, I also love my crockpot! I can put together some simple freeze-ahead meals ahead of time, let one defrost overnight, and just throw it in there.

dancsfo · July 15

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/215931#Comment_215931

Thanks for the reminders for using an instant pot or a crock pot. I'll start to use them and can get some stewed dishes again.

It's a good point @tigersmom made about recognizable meals. I often get asked "what's this", which I'm happy to answer but I think there's more enjoyment with simpler meals, not having to deal with bones, etc.

I have removed all the range knobs after one burner broke and cannot be repaired (and awaiting a new replacement stove), and not worrying about PWD leaving a flame on (even when I am around) has been a major relief. I'm not sure how to fib about removing the knobs when a new stove gets installed, but I'll figure something out.