5 Staple Pantry Foods for Elder Care
Keeping a well-stocked pantry is essential for seniors. Depending on the time of the year, seniors may not be able to get to the store because of severe weather, and if the power goes out or there is some other kind of emergency seniors need to be sure that they will be able to have enough to eat. Shelf stable pantry essentials will make it possible for seniors to always have something healthy to eat, especially if they have elder care and an elder care provider can help them cook those staples into a delicious meal. According to nutritionists five staple foods that all seniors should keep in their pantry at all times include:
Protein Shakes
Protein shakes make it possible for seniors to get the protein they need for health in a safe and easy to consume package. In the event of a weather emergency where the power goes out and seniors aren’t able to cook meats or other proteins they can get up to 30 grams of protein in just one shake. Protein shakes are also a good meal substitute when seniors are ill or don’t want to cook but need to have some protein in their diets.
Shelf Stable Milk
Milk is a good source of vitamins and minerals and it’s often used in cooking, but seniors who run out of milk might not be able to get to the store to get more, especially if their elder care provider has already left for the day. And if the weather is bad and the power goes out seniors won’t be able to use any of the milk that was in the fridge. Shelf stable milk is safe to drink and cook with and it provides a lot of the same nutrients and protein that fresh milk provides.
Instant Rice
Instant rice cooks in minutes with just boiling water. It’s an easy to eat grain that is well-tolerated by most people and it is delicious. Rice can be used as a side dish for savory meals, or it can be a sweet dessert or even a breakfast food when mixed with milk, sugar, and spices. Rice is one of the versatile grains and instant rice is easy for seniors to cook. They can even microwave it so they don’t need to try and use the stove. That’s a big plus for seniors who have arthritis or other conditions that make using the stove difficult.
Canned Vegetables
Vegetables are essential. Seniors should be eating at least five servings of veggies each day. But if seniors have fresh vegetables that have gone off so they can’t be eaten or if they have no power because of a storm or emergency they can eat canned vegetables. Canned vegetables and instant rice can be combined in many different ways to make healthy and tasty side dishes.
Single Serving Fruit
Small packages of applesauce and other individual servings of fruit that typically are used in lunches for school kids are also fantastic for seniors. The single serving size is just right for most seniors and the fruit gives seniors vital nutrients. They’re also easy to open and transport if necessary.