When a beloved elderly relative moves in with you, it's a great opportunity, but there can also be challenges. One of the biggest is stretching your meal budget to include their dietary needs. From meal planning to shopping and cooking tips, this guide will help you provide nutritious and delicious meals while staying within a reasonable grocery budget.
Why Meal Planning Is Important
Meal planning is the key to stretching your meal budget. Planning meals in advance helps you create economical and healthy meals that everyone can enjoy, around a schedule that fits your family's day-to-day lives.
When you create a "menu" for the upcoming week or two, you can seek out the best deals on ingredients and put together a shopping list that doesn't include expensive extras.
Shopping Tips
How and where you shop greatly affects your ability to stay within your budget. Here's how you can save money when you stock your fridge and pantry:
Buy in Bulk
Look for restaurant supply stores that are open to the public and purchase items in larger quantities. You'll need to invest in storage containers that save space and are easy to use, but they'll be worth the investment. Be careful to only buy what you know you'll use within their expiration period, and don't be tempted by deals for items that won't fit into your menu plans.
Buy Generic or "House" Brands
When you avoid brand names, you'll save money without sacrificing quality.
Shop at Discount Stores
Before you hit the regular grocery store, stop by your local grocery outlet or dollar store to see what they have in stock. You'll be surprised by the brands and selection they may carry!
Use Coupons
Find and use a good coupon app, check your Sunday paper for deals on foods you normally include in your diet, and plan your menu around them.
Invest in a Chest Freezer
You'll save money in the long run if you have plenty of space to hold bulk perishables as well as pre-prepared meals.
Three Essential Food Preparation and Mealtime Tips
Here's how you can make the most of your time in the kitchen and stretch your ingredients as far as they can go:
Set Aside a Day for Meal Prep
Plan a few hours once or twice a week when you can portion and prepare ingredients or even pre-cook entire meals for the next few days. This is a great way to involve your senior loved one in the process, and it helps eliminate expensive convenience foods and ordering in.
Set Regular Mealtimes
Our biological clocks work better when we have regular sleep and eating schedules, and it helps to reduce the urge for snacking right before dinnertime. Plus, regular mealtimes keep our seniors engaged with the family.
Label Food Storage Containers
Make sure family members, especially seniors, can easily identify leftovers and pre-prepared meals. Use freezer tape and a permanent marker for temporary labels, and if you can, add reheating instructions to each container.
Senior Helpers Is in Your Budget
No matter the size of your household, meal planning and preparation can be tricky, but these tips will save you time and money. In-home care can also be another cost-effective way to adapt to living with your senior loved one. Senior Helpers of Southeast Michigan is here to provide you with in-home senior care services in Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, Westland, Southfield, Waterford, and Canton. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help.