I am practically living with my grandfather now. As I've been staying here, I've realized he mostly eats boiled potatoes. I wanted to surprise him with dinner and I was wondering what to make him. He has no teeth and no gallbladder.
Any suggestions? Thank you!
By Rebekkah from Whitwell, TN
I haven't had teeth since about 1975. I do have dentures that I received in 1984, but I can eat better without them in, than when I am wearing them. There are some things that a lot of people can't eat, even with dentures. Your grandpa should be able to eat a basic hamburger patty. Peas and/or well cooked carrots could be eaten. Mac and cheese or sweet pototoes would work too. Sometimes for a quick lunch I make some instant potatoes and then melt a couple of slices of cheese on top of them.
Try some homemade soups. There should be more nutrients than just potatoes.
He should be able to eat pasta and sauce, as well.
With no gallbladder, just take care that he doesn't eat anything too greasy, as that can cause diarrhea.
You could make him a nice roast in the crockpot, as they always make any cuts of meats fork tender, and easy enough to eat even if you have no teeth or dentures. If he likes potatoes, add some to the crock, along with carrots and onions.
The missing gall bladder means nothing usually. However, I think you should ask him what he likes. I know you want to surprise him but he probably would love to have a meal of his favorite foods. Also he could tell you what he can eat. He probably likes the potatoes but it might also be the only thing he knows how to make.
Crockpot meals are great and I love cooking with chicken and found that to be a popular choice cooking for elderly parents. A favorite of my Dad's was chicken and dumplings. Essentially it is a chicken stew with dumplings on top - easy, inexpensive and a great way to get in some vegetables! The dumplings are the potato replacement.
Eating only potatoes might also be easy for him to make, so some make-ahead meals might be a good choice for him as well.
Meat loaf would be good. You might try a fruit smoothie in blender add vanilla yogurt with frozen blueberries or fruit of choice and blend. They are so good. Jello or pudding is good and something he could snack on too. When cooking you might want to reduce salt.
Get a mini food processor and chop his food. My mother was in a nursing home and they gave her everything only chopped it first. Works great for them.
I agree with Ann Parker. Either ask a relative what your grandfather would like or ask him! We all have different tastes in food.
