In Home Dementia and Alzheimer's Care and Remembering Mom's Recipes

There is nothing quite as binding in a family as a passed down recipe, holding secret ingredients and loving memories.  Some of the most comforting smells are the smells of home.  Take the time to pull out your mom’s favorite recipes, and try to recreate those special scents and delicious meals.  If your mom is coping with a dementia related disease, such as Alzheimer’s, the familiar smells and tastes may stir up some memories. 

Mom’s favorite recipes may be some of the best meals you had when you were growing up.  This Mother’s Day, you may want to invite your mom into the kitchen with you to assist with putting together that beloved meatloaf or casserole dish.  Depending on the limits of your loved one’s abilities, she may actually enjoy herself and you will be rewarded with a fun afternoon as well as delicious eats.

If you are looking for a simple dessert dish to prepare, this banana bread recipe is a favorite in my household.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas
• Optional: 1/2 bag of chocolate chips or 1 small bag of chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten.  This is the part where you add Chocolate Chips if you want. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
4. Enjoy!

Senior Helpers of Santa Barbara, 805-687-7777, provides companionship as well as dementia and Alzheimer’s in home care.  These compassionate caregivers can help an elderly loved one around the house, as well as transport to appointments and entertainment in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Lompoc, Santa Ynez, and Carpinteria, California.  Highly trained caregivers can also be there to help with the enjoyable moments for a loved one, such as baking old family recipes and treats together. 

Coping with dementia can be a struggle at times.  Your loved one’s moods may change from day to day or even hour to hour.  It can be a huge responsibility.  Cooking can be a huge stress reliever.  This Mother’s Day, pull out your mom’s favorite recipes and cherish the time spent with your Mom, even if the only task she can complete is simply setting the table.  The familiar smells and tastes will surely transport you back in time and recover some memories you thought were buried forever.