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Mom is in a nursing home, although not perfect we are making it work. Mom’s favorite things were cooking and sewing - neither very conducive to nursing home living. I have provided her with some embroidery projects which she enjoys. How do I help her with her desires to cook? I try and bring her things we cook, but it isn’t the same. She doesn’t have much stamina, which is why she is in the nursing home (she was unable to cook her meals at home). I really think if the nursing home could give her a “job” it would help her - like folding towels or peeling potatoes, but I am not sure that would be allowed due to state regulations, etc. I think if she had some sort of “job” it would help her feel needed and maybe make her acceptance of the nursing home better. (Also, the nursing home doesn’t seem receptive to anything different/new/changes.) Any ideas?

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Here's the thing about cooking. If you love it you don't necessarily need to DO it to continue to love it.
Cooking show CDs are wonderful.
If mom is capable of or still uses the computer she can go to any site such as Facebook and watch Jacque Pepin, who I never miss, cooking at 90 years of age. There are a lot of cooking shows on television and even the wonderful picture books of Foods of Italy and so on.

My brother loved vintage cars. In his later year in care in ALF he would look at the big gloggy books I got him BY THE HOUR and even with his magnifying glass.

Great she maintains her interests.
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susanmac02 Dec 20, 2024
Thank you. She does like to watch cooking shows. She doesn’t think the nursing home is very good, so it makes her want to cook. The other day she said, I just wish I could whip up a batch of cookies!
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She can be given towels to fold.
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cwillie Dec 20, 2024
Folding towels is a task often given to those with dementia but I don't think anyone who is with it is going to be fooled into feeling useful by by that trick...
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A nursing home near me had a breakfast club where residents who were able got together to cook and share breakfasts that were outside of the normal menu and if I remember correctly there was also a baking group that made things like cookies and muffins to enjoy and share, of course groups like this depend on coordination from members of the staff and on volunteers.
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susanmac02 Dec 20, 2024
This sounds like a great idea! Thanks.
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There is a company called DASH that makes small, plug-in cooking appliances like waffle makers and grilled sandwich makers. I don't know if the nursing home would allow appliances like these to be kept in her room but they may be ok with you bringing it with you when you visit and letting your mom prepare a little something with one of these appliances.
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Wrenee5111 Dec 20, 2024
I just went to the DASH website and saw that they now have a cute little bundt cake maker. It's adorable! I'm half tempted to get one for myself.
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I second what Alva said about letting your mom watch all the many different cooking shows that are on TV, or online.
And you say that your mom "doesn't have much stamina" anymore so why not just let her take it easy. She's earned it at this point.
Has she complained that she doesn't get to cook anymore? I'm guessing not.
I get the feeling that this is more about you than it is your mom, and you wanting things to be like they used to be.
However things now can't be like they used to be, and the sooner you're good with that the sooner your mom will be good with it too.
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susanmac02 Dec 20, 2024
Mom has mentioned to me she would love to get in the kitchen and whip up some cookies. She doesn’t think the nursing home food is very good and she thinks she could help improve it! I think because the food isn’t very good it makes her want to cook. She always loved to cook and food has been a very social part of mom’s life. I am with you, just sit back and let someone else do it! However, I know I still have the opportunity to cook, once the opportunity is no longer there, I may feel differently.
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I think she wouldn’t be fooled into thinking she was needed, but getting out of the room and doing something productive would benefit her. Thanks!
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I'm assuming there's no stove or oven in her AL apartment... would she be able to make things that require no actual cooking or baking? There are lots of desserts and some salads, that can be made if she's able to do some chopping, mixing, stirring, pouring, etc.

Do a browser search for "easy, no-cook meals+snacks+desserts" and lots of websites and recipes will come up.

Can she follow written instructions without getting lost or confused?

Does she have a microwave in her apartment? If a recipe requires something like rice or pasta, there are many varieties of pre-cooked ones nowadays. Or, she can use the microwave which is probably in the dining/commons area.
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cover9339 Dec 21, 2024
Probably not. Facility may not allow residents to have sharp items, (like a knife, fork,etc). or small appliances in the room either. The most they would probably allow would be a small fridge, but something that could hurt them or others? No.
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You cannot have any appliances in a NH room. Its a fire hazard. Even ALs don't allow snall appliances I don't think. Moms room had a fridge and a Microwave.
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Check with the facility admin. to see what’s available for your mom or what they are willing to make available to her. The facility where I will be placing my husband has an activity director who regularly bakes with small groups of residents. They deliver the baked goods to other residents who are not ambulatory and leave plates of them on the coffee bar in the dining hall. When I was touring the facility the whole place smelled heavenly. Tell admin. it’s a great marketing tool as well!
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