Would you like a little lunch?

That's an appropriate question when you're caring for someone who is thinking clearly. And, in the case of most elderly people, a "little" is about what they will be able to have for lunch. If the person has Dementia, your question will be phrased more like "I've made a little lunch. I would love to have you join me!" as you lead them to the table.

Here are some "little lunch" ideas

• Mix shredded cheese, mild salsa, and a little sour cream or yogurt. Open nitrate and nitrite-free slices of lunch meat, and spread some of this filling on each. Roll, and slice into 1 inch pieces. Arrange on a plate with lightly steamed or raw vegetable pieces between. If there are no digestive issues, this can be served with crackers
• Lightly steam broccoli, carrots, and green beans. Chill, or serve room temperature. Serve on a small plate with hummus for dipping. Arrange the veggies in a circle around a custard dish full of hummus. The prettier the better. 
• Spread organic, creamy peanut butter mixed with a little honey or applesauce and cinnamon on whole wheat toast. Top with second slice of toast, and cut into 1" squares. Serve with tea.
• Slice cucumber into rounds, and top each round with a little mound of tuna salad. Arrange in a flower design.
• Roughly dice cooked chicken and mix with a little mayonnaise or plain yogurt, diced onion, celery, carrot, and cucumber, and serve on a bed of greens. 
• Make open faced cheese sandwiches and grill, cutting into triangles. Serve with a small bowl of tomato soup, if senior is able to easily eat soup without spilling. If spilling is an issue, serve in a small mug with a large handle. The triangles of cheese sandwich are nice, dipped into the soup. Make this fun. 
• Slice carrots, celery, cucumber, etc and serve with a bowl of peanut butter for dipping. Alternatively you can use apple slices. 
• Deviled eggs with pickles and olives, served with a green smoothie. 

One of the main things to keep in mind is that you will want to preserve dignity in every situation. Always serve food that's easy for the senior to eat, and cut into small pieces in the KITCHEN rather than in front of them. I always serve each plate, mine included, pre-cut. They are not children. 

Check out yesterday's blog post if you have concerns about being able to afford to stay home caring for your elderly loved one.