Are you fortunate to have your grandparents around and in your life? Why not treat them to a home-cooked meal? You may not get to see them very often as it is, and with the second wave of COVID-19 on the horizon, you may be seeing even less of them if another lockdown takes place. Many of us will likely go into isolation again this winter, preventing us from seeing our loved ones. While it’s still warm enough, and before the next potential lockdown happens, invite them over for dinner on the balcony or the backyard.

However, before you start marinating those steaks, consider which foods might be more appropriate than others for your grandparents. Many Seniors wear dentures and prefer softer foods, while others have digestive issues. Give your loved ones a meal they’ll love (and be able to enjoy comfortably) and check out these delicious and denture-friendly ideas.

Fettuccini Alfredo

Fettuccini Alfredo is decadent pasta comprised of — you guessed it — fettuccini, as well as a rich blend of three different types of cheeses and cream. Before you start cooking, remember to ask your grandparents if they’re lactose intolerant because if they are, consider an alternative such as pasta primavera. Both kinds of pasta are easy to chew (ensure that you roast any vegetables to be nice and soft) and won’t cause any discomfort in the teeth and gums. Go easy on the garlic in case anyone has digestive issues. Sometimes the vegetable can cause a bloating and upset stomach.

Lentil Soup with Soft Bread on the Side

What’s better than cooking up a pot of soup this time of year? It warms you up, it’s easy to make, and it’s good for you! Lentils are an excellent source of iron and protein, making a great alternative to other proteins such as red meat or chicken. You can customize your soup and throw in your favourite vegetables, spices, and some crushed tomatoes. To make the soup easy on your grandparents’ teeth, all you have to do is purée it. Once it’s finished cooking, wait until it cools off for a few minutes. Then, either carefully pour the soup into a blender or food processor or use your hand blender to thicken the mixture into a delicious, drinkable soup. Serve with some soft bread and butter on the side.


What to Avoid

Avoid serving foods that are sticky, crunchy, or crispy. Things such as apples, ribs, candy, corn, and crunchy raw vegetables are all problematic for some seniors. Popcorn is a no-no, as the kernels can cause quite a lot of damage to dentures, as can peanuts or anything hard.

Help in the Kitchen at Home

Are you concerned that your loved ones aren’t getting the help they need at home? Sometimes seniors forget to make their health a priority and neglect cooking nutritious meals. Ask if they’d consider a senior home care agency to come help around the house. The right home healthcare agency will provide caregivers who know how to cook healthy meals that are delicious and easy on seniors’ teeth and digestive systems.

Impress your grandparents with your culinary skills and whip them up something yummy for dinner — just make sure that they can eat it first!

 

Image Source: BigStockPhoto.com (Licensed)

 

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