Meal Prep for Caregivers

As caregivers, our most important commodity is the senior in our charge. Faced with a host of compromises, and depending on the level of care, clients depend on us for mobility, exercise, making sure they take medication, get proper nourishment and stay hydrated, and to generally enrich their lives with appropriate interaction and activities.  

Shifts can be busy, intense, and sometimes fraught with unexpected challenges. As a result, taking a little time before you leave or the night before to prepare your own meal—something you can take to work and microwave if necessary—can mean the difference between your staying strong, alert, and healthy, or becoming easily fatigued and run down.  

Caregiving can be both physically and mentally demanding, and shifts can be long. Keeping your blood sugar levels up may also involve packing simple, healthy snacks such as fresh fruit or dried fruit, carrots and celery sticks, nuts, granola bars, soup, crackers and cheese, etc. A little advanced planning can help power you through your day without leaving things to chance, and having to worry about hunger pangs and low energy.