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shorelinelady Asked September 2016

How can I help my husband realize he can't cook anymore?

My husband used to cook for himself all the time. But now the weakness in his arms and position in his wheelchair makes it dangerous, very dangerous, for him to use the range or toaster oven. He also is having some memory problems. I've made the electrical appliances off-limits, and he is furious about this. I tried telling him we are "partners," and that he would choose what he wanted, and I would cook it/heat it up for him, but this makes him even angrier. He will fix cold foods, like sandwiches. How can I help him come to terms with this change in circumstances?

Zdarov Sep 2016
Good ideas here! The induction hot plate sounds awesome. As you say, he's good with making sandwiches and such - I'd look into all sorts of foods that can be assembled vs. cooked. Fruit, vegs, cheeses, nuts, there are millions of types of crackers and breads now... these may lead to healthier eating, explore it that way with him. Good luck.

GardenArtist Sep 2016
Can you substitute with some other type of meal prep besides cooking? Setting the table, preparing a salad, buttering bread or rolls?

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Llamalover47 Sep 2016
shorelinelady: He is not realizing it on his own? I ask because my own late mother close to her death age of 94 said "I can't bake pies any more." She knew that she couldn't get them in and out of the oven!

Sunnygirl1 Sep 2016
Shorelinelady,
Your post indicates that your husband has weakness in his arms, mobility problems and memory issues. Handling hot food is an issue and I wonder if you can get around this by using some of the suggested items like microwave and crock pot. He could still burn himself if he drops hot food on himself while trying to heat, cook or transfer it.

You are being proactive and that's good. I suspect the challenge of getting your husband to see the risks and dangers will be difficult, since people with dementia may not be capable of using good judgment, seeing it your way or appreciating what is the safe route.

Even in seniors with no significant cognitive decline, they seem very resistant to use proper safety measures. I know of many seniors who are fall risks, but refuse to use a can or walker. Many seniors who have balance issues, but insist on stepping up on step ladder. It's amazing that so many seniors refuse to heed concerns about safety. This resistance you encounter could be an ongoing issue. I wish I could say that explaining it to him would be helpful. I just don't see that working with the seniors that I encounter.

Grandma1954 Sep 2016
ferris1 The one I am talking about does not fit over a burner it is a unit itself, can be used on any counter or table. Lots of people use them for dorm rooms since they are safer than hot plates. (hot plates not permitted in most dorms now) Also great for campers.

Elizabeth2016 Sep 2016
An occupational therapist has special expertise in adaptive living solutions. Insurance usually covers this. Might include cooking equipment, arm braces, body position, much more.

ferris1 Sep 2016
Grandma1954 - I had ordered one of this plates to fit over an electrical burner, but it didn't work very well, but what a great concept anyway! I'm a grandma at 1948, with a daughter 48, granddaughter 28.

Grandma1954 Sep 2016
For some things get one of the Induction burners. They are the "new" hot plate.
the unit does not get hot. You can place a hand on it right after removing a pot of boiling water and the unit is not hot. You can turn it on and put a piece of paper or a towel on it and it will not burn.
The unit can be placed on a table, low enough for him to be able to reach it with no problem.
He can cook one thing at the table and you can do other things at the stove.
This will still allow him to cook but it will be done safely.
The Induction burners usually come with a pan or two but any pot or pan that a magnet will stick to will work on an induction burner.
Bonus...they cook faster than a regular stove.

Letting him keep and maintain some sense of "usefulness" is so important.
The longer he is able to do for himself the better he will feel, the better he feels the less anger and frustration.
It is anger and frustration that leads to more problems.

ferris1 Sep 2016
Putting numbers into a microwave is not dangerous. He could select what dinner he wanted (or whatever warm food) and push a button. So what if he gets angry? I'm angry my once highly functioning husband, pilot, war veteran got dementia, but I just have to accept that fact. He's only voicing his anger at his disease/disability and it comes out in angry words to you because you are the closest and dearest to him. Let him vent, walk away until he calms himself, and then let him eat whatever he can fix. Trying to "fix" dementia is impossible, and the best you can do is develop a thicker skin so any words do not bother you. My husband has told me he "hates" me, he wishes I would "go away" and he wants to "divorce" me. Then I say to him, "But I love you and I will take care of you!" About five minutes later he tells me he loves me. The brain is not functioning properly so you have to convince yourself your husband has changed and he is NEVER going to get better. All you can do is take each day at a time and go with whatever is happening with his thinking. Yes, it is difficult, but no one said life was anything but...Hang in there!

SallyKB Sep 2016
Are you able to reason with your husband, and will he remember that conversation? Like jeannegibbs mentioned, safety is a huge concern. If you could make him understand (and remember) that in order for him to maintain his independence and be safe in his own home, he will need to give up a little independence. He can "help" you prepare meals when you are together, but he needs to stay away from the stove when he is by himself. Good luck and best wishes.

anonymous275053 Sep 2016
ShorelineLady, I would suggest You try to leave Your Husband have His independence by getting a lower cooker so He could reach, and not get scalded. If any of Us lost Our independence it would destroy Us. Encourage Your Husband to keep going, and to never give in.

SueC1957 Sep 2016
My mom knew she was mentally slipping, (although she never cooked during my childhood) so she quit using the stove at all (no eggs, etc.) and just used the microwave. Healthy Choice TV dinners were her favorite. Maybe you both could have these for lunch or dinner a couple of nights a week and he could unwrap them and put them in the microwave. You could monitor how many minutes they need to heat.

Kidnumber2 Sep 2016
My grandmother was 95 years old and she received meals on wheels. She was a very intelligent self reliant person however she came to realization that cooking for herself at her home be came too difficult for her.
Meals on wheels is an excellent way to provide people with nutritional meals that they do not have to prepare for themselves nor do they have to go shopping. Additionally someone will be checking in on them daily to make sure they are OK and they are eating. I highly recommend this program for your elderly dad. It is low cost or free..

jeannegibbs Sep 2016
Your profile says hubby has mobility issues. If that is the only impairment, then I think the solution is to find ways he can continue his independence. For example, perhaps he could use an electric frying pan on a lower surface.

If by "some memory problems" you mean dementia, that is a different situation altogether. In that case, he may very well not be safe to cook alone. But could you cook together, at least some times? Instead of him just getting to pick out "grilled cheese" for lunch, could he butter the bread, place the cheese slices, etc., while you place them in the pan and watch them? Yes, this will increase the time it takes to make lunch, but if he has the beginnings of dementia that is the least of your worries.

pamstegma Sep 2016
Put a cover over the toaster oven. Out of sight is out of mind. Dementia often cannot recognize a covered appliance.

cwillie Sep 2016
You say it would be "very dangerous", but in what way exactly? You say he is having some memory problems, is it that or just his physical limitations?
I can understand making the full size range off limits, but what would happen if he used the toaster oven? If the issue is his ability to reach from his wheelchair then you can move things so they are within his reach, perhaps on a small microwave cart. You could also invest in a small induction cooktop or one of the many small grills available so he can cook without having to reach up to counter height.

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