Hello! :)
I hope everyone’s Saturday is going ok!
My uncle is mentally fine.
Physically (Parkinson’s), he’s very unstable while standing. He uses a walker (and sometimes he uses furniture/tables/walls to support himself: “furniture walking”).
Problem:
He’s an extremely good cook (professional). Cooking is his passion in life.
Current solution:
Since 2 months, it’s really too dangerous for him to stand in the kitchen.
I work. I’m not always home.
We have a caregiver (not all day).
The caregiver now cooks, and my uncle (sitting in another room) explains to the caregiver what to do.
Sometimes my uncle can do some chopping.
Future solution:
Has anyone found better solutions how to make cooking still possible?
My uncle would love to be more involved in the cooking process.
(It might be that the current solution is the best. If that’s the case, my uncle is ok with that.)
Maybe there are special chairs for kitchens? Special stoves?
Any ideas would be fantastic!
Thank you!!
That might work for your dad.
There are some awesome single burner Induction cook tops that movable and could be placed anywhere that would be comfortable for him. Kitchen table for example. The nice thing about Induction is if he forgets and leaves it on it will not heat up and I think they eventually shut off. They are precise and can be set to an exact temperature. Once you remove the pan from the burner the burner itself is warm but not hot.
Depending on how much you want to spend if you want to redo the kitchen there are cooktops, sinks, cabinets that can all be put in that are adaptable.
**If your dad is a Veteran it is possible that the VA would pay for any changes made so that your dad can remain independent. Check with your local Veterans Assistance Commission.
This forum is amazing.
(My uncle isn’t a veteran.)
My uncle is happy. But I think he would be even happier cooking more.
Poodle Doodle
I’m amazed at everyone’s kindness on this forum. Taking time to reply. Ideas given.
Remodeling, we’ll see.
My uncle sits at a big dining table. Sometimes he chops vegetables there. Sometimes the caregiver brings the pot, and my uncle explains what more must be done.
Sending a big Saturday hug to you.
Poodle Doodle
(I’m thinking of getting my uncle to call me Poodle Doodle too. Anything to make him laugh).
I hope your uncle accepts there will be limitations to what he can do.
Kitchens are also dangerous places no soft surfaces to fall on, hot liquids, sharp objects and potential fires.
There are limits to what you can teach someone how to cook well at a gourmet level.
Cooking and eating is a basic necessity so I wouldn't apply a gourmet standard to it on a daily basis. Perhaps go out to a restaurant once a week instead.
Taking care of a sick person is hard enough.
We're not on a cruise ship and people are tired.
Thanks for the ideas!
“I hope your uncle accepts there will be limitations to what he can do.”
Yes.
As I wrote in my question:
“It might be that the current solution is the best. If that’s the case, my uncle is ok with that.”
If by chance there are good ideas that allow him to be more involved, safely, then he’ll try.
He loves cooking.
He’s good at explaining: the caregiver is cooking very well.
It’s the act of cooking: my uncle loves it. Chopping, everything.
Poodle Doodle.
With a one burner convection unit, a crockpot (slow cooker), and a free standing oven unit for baking, a good cook can perform like a chef and still be safe.
See what sort of free standing cooking units you can find online. I bet that for your uncle, the process my a whole lot of fun too.
Poodle Doodle
Perhaps your uncle could add a few other elements: Do as gardeners do, prepping veggies and fruits and other ingredients, then freezing them. When you're available, they can be removed from the freezer and cooked, if they need to be.
Another option is to make sauces, etc. in large quantities when you're available and freeze them in meal size proportions.
I still would work toward an assistant to do the standing, but I also think that the Instapot or electric cooker/Crockpot options are great ideas. They can be on the table or at a counter where Uncle sits, and all he'll have to do is check on them and stir periodically. If the counter or table is configured in such a way as to install grab bars, that's even better. I think the long grab bars might would better than the small hand hold ones though.
Another option to indulge his love of cooking is to let him prepare the meals for family gatherings, and do what he can but let someone else do the cooking or service, so he can still sit but make a major contribution.
Indeed, the caregiver does all the dangerous things:
standing, etc., whatever’s necessary.
My uncles chops at his table.
We’ll try some new ideas!
The caregiver learned many recipes from my uncle, and now tries them out on her own family.
The caregiver has lunch with my uncle. They enjoy delicious meals together.
Have a great evening! :)
Poodle Doodle
Have a nice Saturday evening!
Poodle
If you do get an induction cooker, the bottom of the pans must hold a magnet to work. You don't have to buy the expensive cookware if you do the magnet test.
Electric fry pans are also mobile and can work just like a pan on the stove.
How are his motor skills? I would think that would determine what is safe for him to handle.
Best of luck finding a safe way he can cook.
Sunday hug to you! :)
Motor skills ok.
Unfortunately, Parkinson’s will get worse :(.
But —
right now he’s ok. That’s why we’re looking into ways to make his life even happier, cooking more.
Thanks for your answer!
Poodle :)
You're a special person for your approach to your uncle's situation, and the courtesy you've extended to those who offered suggestions. I wish you, your uncle, his caregiver and anyone else involved the best of luck in finding and adopting/adapting solutions.
Thanks for your sweet wishes!! I’ll tell my uncle. It’ll make him happy.
There are so many special, sweet people on this forum. :)
(If in the future I don’t reply on this forum as promptly, please don’t worry. All of us on this forum are dealing with various things in life).
We’ll be trying out the various ideas suggested to us!
Poodle :)
I use an induction cooktop and when I finally get to remodel my
kitchen, that will be a mandatory.
a countertop oven would let him keep an eye on things. So, that would
keep him engaged more.
Have a get day! :)
Thank you verrrry much for all your good ideas.
1. As some of you know, my LO was in hospital. And as I said some days ago, luckily made a full recovery!!!! It looked very bleak. But it all worked out!!
I wish us all luck, with our health!!!!
2. Many of you gave me great ideas about cooking. We’ll be trying it out.
3. My uncle has tried the new recliner armchair. Good!!
Thank you everyone!!!
Poodle Doodle
(still trying to get my uncle to call me that)
:)