Food For The Sick And The Elderly

Pureed Root Vegetables Soup

Since I have been providing love and nourishment for my father during this time of healing and convalescence I have been paying very close attention to what foods and food preparations agree with him and benefit him most.

For all of us, but especially the elderly, or those that are bed-ridden and convalescing from illness, or recovering from surgery, it is important to prepare foods that are light, nourishing, and easy to digest.

Digestion takes an enormous amount of energy. Even a young and healthy person experiences the occasional energy slump following a heavy meal. Think of Spain and the afternoon siesta.  Think of Thanksgiving and the traditional post-prandial somnolence.

My goal has been to provide Papa with foods that are sufficiently nourishing without overtaxing him and compromising energy for healing and recovery. As Papa's chief cook and dietician I have made a few mistakes along the way.  Even though deviled eggs sounded like a good idea initially and are one of Papa's favorite foods - the deviled eggs that I made for him (with fresh homemade mayonnaise and homemade creme fraiche) immediately upset his stomach and made him feel queasy and unwell.

Most Beneficial Foods For Papa

homemade chicken or turkey noodle soup
vegetables blended with homemade chicken broth
homemade applesauce
soft cooked eggs
soft vegetables (yams, sweet potatoes, squash, peas) 
rice or risotto cooked in homemade chicken broth 
root vegetables pureed with grass-fed butter
miso soup with some sea and land vegetables

During the most critical time of Papa's healing, when he could hardly chew or swallow, homemade broths and soft cooked eggs became invaluable.

As Papa grows stronger each day so does his appetite and his capacity to digest.  Papa has always been an eager eater.  It is good to see him begin to relish and enjoy his meals again.