Assisted Living Preparations for Winter – Is your pantry stocked?

Assisted Living Preparations for Winter – Is your pantry stocked?

Several of our Assisted Living communities have recently felt the impact of severe weather emergencies.  As we prepare the communities for inclement weather problems, we cannot help but to think about the Seniors that live independently and do not have the opportunity to depend on  a community, such as ours,  to prepare for them.  

For Seniors, the weather of winter and the flu season that comes with it, can be both dangerous and deadly.  Studies have shown that if you live in a climate that experiences moderate or harsh winters, there are much higher risks of dangerous weather related incidents than other seasons.  Winter weather can produce cold and dry air, flu viruses, hypothermia, limited access and travel.  Preparation is the key.

These are a few tips from the Weather Channels recent post about how to prepare and stockpile your pantry for items you may need to prepare. 

Fueling your body during an emergency is very different from your everyday diet. Because you’ll probably expend more energy than you normally would, you should eat high-energy, high-protein foods. And because you’ll have a limited supply, the higher-quality foods you eat–and the less of them–the better. “In a disaster or an emergency you want those calories,” says Barry Swanson, a food scientist at Washington State University. “You want some nutrients and some fiber–something to keep your diet normal.”

“In an emergency, generally you tend to think of meeting more basic needs than preferences and flavors,” says Elizabeth Andress, professor and food safety specialist at the University of Georgia. “But if you plan right, you can have a great variety of foods and nutrients.” Here, Andress and Swanson weigh in on what items you should include.

 What to Always Keep in Your Pantry

These items have lengthy expiration dates, so you can stash them away for long periods of time. Make a list of everything in your stockpile and check expiration dates every 6 to 12 months to keep things fresh. And don’t forget to have a can opener on hand at all times—all that food won’t be of any use if you can’t open it.

  • Peanut butter – A great source of energy, peanut butter is chock-full of healthful fats and protein. Unless the jar indicates otherwise, you don’t have to refrigerate after opening.
  • Whole-wheat crackers – Crackers are a good replacement for bread and make a fine substitute when making sandwiches. Due to their higher fat content, whole-wheat or whole-grain crackers have a shorter shelf life than their plain counterparts (check the box for expiration dates), but the extra fiber pays off when you’re particularly hungry. Consider vacuum-packing your crackers to prolong their freshness.
  • Nuts and trail mixes – Stock up on these high-energy foods—they’re healthful and convenient for snacking. Look for vacuum-packed containers, which prevent the nuts from oxidizing and losing their freshness.
  • Cereal – Choose multigrain cereals that are individually packaged so they don’t become stale after opening.
  • Granola bars and power bars – Healthy and filling, these portable snacks usually stay fresh for at least six months. Plus, they’re an excellent source of carbohydrates. “You can get more energy from carbohydrates without [eating] tons of food,” says Andress.
  • Dried fruits, such as apricots and raisins – In the absence of fresh fruit, these healthy snacks offer potassium and dietary fiber. “Dried fruits provide you with a significant amount of nutrients and calories,” says Swanson.
  • Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, or turkey – Generally lasting at least two years in the pantry, canned meats provide essential protein. Vacuum-packed pouches have a shorter shelf life but will last at least six months, says Diane Van, manager of the USDA meat and poultry hotline.
  • Canned vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, and peas – When the real deal isn’t an option, canned varieties can provide you with essential nutrients.
  • Canned soups and chili – Soups and chili can be eaten straight out of the can and provide a variety of nutrients. Look for low-sodium options.
  • Bottled water – Try to stock at least a three-day supply–you need at least one gallon per person per day. “A normally active person should drink at least a half gallon of water each day,” says Andress. “The other half gallon is for adding to food and washing.”
  • Sports drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade – The electrolytes and carbohydrates in these drinks will help you rehydrate and replenish fluid when water is scarce.
  • Powdered milk – Almost all dairy products require refrigeration, so stock this substitute for an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D when fresh milk isn’t an option.
  • Sugar, salt, and pepper – If you have access to a propane or charcoal stove, you may be doing some cooking. A basic supply of seasonings and sweeteners will improve the flavor of your food, both fresh and packaged.
  • Multivitamins – Supplements will help replace the nutrients you would have consumed on a normal diet.

 

The BBQ Doctor’s Recipe of the week – Bacon & Egg Pie – Submitted by Todd Barker, Partner

Senior Solutions Management Group – Perry, GA
Bacon Egg Pie 2

4 slices Bacon (or turkey bacon)
1-2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill
1 tsp. Olive Oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 of a small red onion, chopped
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
5 Large Eggs
2 plum tomatoes, sliced
1 cup 1% milk
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan Cheese
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 10 inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat 7 minutes or until browned. Remove from skillet and dice. Add the oil to the same skillet. Add the onion and garlic, and cook, stirring often, 2 minutes or until onion is softened. Transfer to a large bowl, add the eggs, milk, flour, dill, salt and pepper, and whisk until smooth. Stir in the diced bacon and mozzarella, and pur into the prepared pie plate. Top with tomato slices. Sprinkle tomatoes with the parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 42 minutes or until top is golden and a knife inserted in 
center comes out clean; let stand 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Join us for Dinner or contact a Community today to request your copy of The BBQ Doctor’s Cookbook – A compilation of Classic Recipes from the families, residents and employees of Senior Solutions communities – Antebellum Grove, Warner Robins – GA; Carriage House Inn, Shelbyville – TN; Lakewood Place, Loudon – TN; River Oaks Place, Lenoir City – TN, River Oaks Place, Loudon – TN; Jamestowne Assisted Living, Kingston – TN; Wellspring Senior Living and Oakwood Senior Living, Knoxville – TN; and The Guest House at the Alexander Inn Senior Living – Oak Ridge.

Need to know how to keep your chicken moist on the grill? or what a good marinade is for tendorloin? Ask the BBQ Doctors…Is there a recipe you have been looking for?  Leave it in the comments below and we will answer your questions and requests.

 

 

 

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