Cooking Activities for Dementia Patients

Cooking can be a very relaxing and creative activity that can bring joy to people of all ages. But, for those with dementia, it can become increasingly difficult to cook safely as the disease progresses. However, the onset of dementia does not mean the end of cooking a good and healthy meal in the kitchen. There are many safe and fun cooking activities for your loved ones or clients with dementia. If you are looking for something to do with a loved one or a caregiver looking for an activity to break up the day, here are a few simple activities that will help get them back in the kitchen – with a little bit of help, of course.  

Baking Mini Pizzas

Most of the time, the joy of cooking comes from picking your favorite mix of ingredients and experiencing the unique results. Making pizzas happens to be one of the best dishes to experience this kind of enjoyment. Purchasing pre-made pizza dough can be done at any grocery store along with a large variety of delicious pizza toppings. Choosing to do a mini pizza allows you to increase the variety of toppings and experiment with flavors. It can be a lot of fun and creative. Don’t forget to experiment with different kinds of sauces for an even better experience with the mini pizzas!

Pizza requires an oven on high heat to cook, so depending on each situation, using a toaster oven may be a better option if available. If not, use caution and assistance. When preparing the pizzas, leave the chopping and slicing of ingredients to the caregiver and have the dementia patient do the sauce the cheese, and apply the toppings once prepped.

Build Sub Sandwiches

There’s nothing like a good sub sandwich! Choosing your ingredients and flavor profiles is fun while also engaging the imagination. Subs are great for lunch or dinner and the perfect take-along for day trips or picnic lunches. They are straightforward to make, and you may add many ingredients and sauces that don’t require any additional cooking. The different combinations of ingredients seem almost endless. You can’t go wrong with traditional flavors like a BLT or a tuna sub, or you can mix it up with other healthier ingredients like kale and roasted turkey.

In terms of safety, there isn’t the need for an oven or stove, and chopping can be almost eliminated if you opt for pre-sliced veggies that most grocery stores carry. There are specially designed safety peelers available that present little to no risk when peeling veggies. Once all of your ingredients are ready, have fun building a masterpiece of flavor!

Prepare a Fruit Salad

A fruit salad is a nutritious choice that is colorful and delicious. There is a wide variety of ingredients to choose from. The easy part is washing and preparing them, peeling and cutting the fruit, and then combining them in a visually appealing and delicious way.

All of these steps can be accomplished by someone living with dementia with a bit of help. Again, the only real safety risks come from cutting and peeling the fruits. A safety peeler and gloves can make this a safer task for those with dementia who maintain their dexterity. 

Helping with a Cake or Bread

There are several steps in a cake or bread recipe that our loved ones with dementia can handle but should do so with help and supervision. Helping with and completing the steps in a cake recipe from start to finish provides therapeutic benefits. It may also provide some appreciated nostalgia if the patient grew up baking with their parent or grandparent.

The first task they can help with is measuring and placing the ingredients into a bowl. Next, they can help with combining the ingredients by either stirring the batter or kneading the dough if you’re making bread. It is entirely safe and consists of a series of repeated motions. The simplicity and familiarity of kneading dough can even help trigger memories. It may feel like manual labor, but it has been called therapeutic by those who thoroughly enjoy baking.

Perhaps the most fun step is icing and decorating the cake. Once again, this is a fun, safe, and straightforward step that anyone can partake in. You can purchase a large variety of pre-made icings at the grocery store or make your own together as well. Combine that with things like sprinkles, nuts, or even coconut shavings. This gives your loved one the chance to enjoy cooking and expressing their creative side.

Mixing a Vinaigrette

Making a homemade vinaigrette is a great way to save money and have safe fun in the kitchen. Vinaigrettes are also very flexible in terms of the ingredients, spices, and other flavors that can be used.

The basis of every vinaigrette is a combination of acid (vinegar) and oil. Traditionally the ratio is one part vinegar and three parts oil. The acidic portion is easily substituted with citric acid like lemon or orange for a much better flavor. As you and your loved one become much better at making vinaigrettes, you will also learn that there are many new and exciting ways to use them instead of just in a salad. Vinaigrettes are also used in marinades for meat or as an additional source of flavor before cooking begins.

Keep it Safe and Stay Aware

As fun and relaxing as cooking can be, you should be aware of the safety issues involved. Kitchen safety should always be a primary concern when cooking with a patient or loved one with dementia. If you need more advice, websites explain proper kitchen safety for these situations. Just keep in mind that sharp objects and high temperatures could cause a problem, and just as you keep an eye on the food, you should be keeping an eye on the client as well. Remember to use safety equipment like gloves whenever possible. If all precautions are taken, you should enjoy these times with your loved one in the kitchen.

 

If you or someone you know is living with any dementia and needs assistance with daily living, consider Assisting Hands Home Care. They provide professional and compassionate caregivers who can help with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and a full list of other individualized services. Find our list of locations by visiting https://assistinghands.com/location-list/

Written by: Lauren Foster