My Aunt is very ill so I inherited

[Robinrs]

MY UNCLE!!

Background: My aunt and uncle are sister and brother, the youngest of 14 and the only two alive. My Dad was their oldest brother and he raised them like he raised myself and my sisters.

My uncle has always been mentally challenged and he is now 70 years old. Think RAINMAN, highly functional but also very focussed on certain idols (his are Erica on All My Children and Michael Jackson )

He has always been taken care of my a family member, Mom and Dad had him until they passed, then my aunt took care of him but now she is sick with bone cancer and is in hospice care... She's been given weeks to live, it's harder than I thought it would be.

Her only concern is who will take care of my precious uncle. He is soooo sweet and childlike, but needs someone to make sure he taken care of. He is not a lot of work at all, I take him on vacations and he comes to stay with me at least 10 times a year, so I'm thrilled to take him in.

My only real concern is meals. I am NOT a COOK, my aunt was a professional cook for years. He is a diabetic and needs special meals. He's very careful about what he eats but I need to make sure I can fill this void.

The Sr Connections Ctr near me can supply him with his lunch, but I have to do the breakfast and dinner. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

I look so forward to caring for my uncle. He is my FAVORITE person in the world (next to Mike, who loves him to death!) He's a handyman, a gardener and (get this) LOVES to clean house. Needless to say I will enjoy having him around!

Any suggestions from caretakers of independent seniors would be appreciated, also!

 

[kymmyk13]

since he loves to clean house, send him my way I am only 4 hours from Atlanta, and I fill feed him
DH had diabetes for a short time recently but lost weight and was able to get his sugar down to a normal level. But I did buy several books on diabetes and there is one called Diabete for Dummies, It seems like a basic book to teach what is Ok and what is not OK. Hope this helps

 

[tammy]

 

[Robinrs]

since he loves to clean house, send him my way I am only 4 hours from Atlanta, and I fill feed him
DH had diabetes for a short time recently but lost weight and was able to get his sugar down to a normal level. But I did buy several books on diabetes and there is one called Diabete for Dummies, It seems like a basic book to teach what is Ok and what is not OK. Hope this helps

That book describes my trial, that's for sure!

My uncle actually lost almost 100 pounds by watching his diet and walking everyday. I hope to follow HIS example.

BTW, the entire family wants him to stay with them for a week, just like you!! You may have to listen to everything Erica did in the past 20 years but it's worth it!

 

[meliss8599]

In our area we having Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating or a program called Meals on Wheels (for the homebound, seniors, or those who cannot cook anymore) and both will deliver meals right to your door. My grandma had diabetes and used both at different times. She said Meals on Wheels tasted better.

Anyways, you might want to check into something like that. Does your uncle get any sort of payment from the state that would cover it? I know Seattle Sutton is pricey but maybe you have something more reasonable near you.

 

[clarabelle]

You are a nice niece!

Just remember that it is not just sugar that he should avoid -but other high carb type foods like white bread.

Try to keep lots of vegetables and lean meats on hand

There are loads of diabetic cook books and I am sure you can find some stuff online

See if there is anything here that inspires you!

http://www.diabetes.org/

 

[Robinrs]

In our area we having Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating or a program called Meals on Wheels (for the homebound, seniors, or those who cannot cook anymore) and both will deliver meals right to your door. My grandma had diabetes and used both at different times. She said Meals on Wheels tasted better.

Anyways, you might want to check into something like that. Does your uncle get any sort of payment from the state that would cover it? I know Seattle Sutton is pricey but maybe you have something more reasonable near you.

I did check with Meals on Wheels and got an answering service. The Sr center has cafeteria type lunchs for him and they do have diet specific lunches also.

He does get money from Social Security that will cover his needs. I just need to know what's out there! I took care of my parents until they died but they were in Tennessee, Ga is a completely different story.

Thanks everyone for your tips!

 

[Luvchefmic]

I always knew I liked your sense of humor (the way you opened this thread is a classic example ) and your family relationships are awe inspiring. So sorry about your Aunt any chance she has some recipes written down anywhere or cookbooks to address dear Uncles needs ?

 

[Robinrs]

You are a nice niece!

Just remember that it is not just sugar that he should avoid -but other high carb type foods like white bread.

Try to keep lots of vegetables and lean meats on hand

There are loads of diabetic cook books and I am sure you can find some stuff online

See if there is anything here that inspires you!

http://www.diabetes.org/

No HE'S a nice UNCLE! He's always been my favorite person, when I was a little girl he called me BIRD and he still does!

Thanks for the link. I just found out that he's borderline and thankfully I did Atkins for awhile so I know a little bit about carbs and what to avoid.

 

[Darsa]

What an awesome lady you are; everyone should have someone like you in their family!

Two of my favorite sites, recipezaar.com and allrecipes.com, both have sections pertaining to diabetics; I frequent them because DH has diabetes. Definitely worth a look; I've found some pretty good stuff in there!

 

[Robinrs]

I always knew I liked your sense of humor (the way you opened this thread is a classic example ) and your family relationships are awe inspiring. So sorry about your Aunt any chance she has some recipes written down anywhere or cookbooks to address dear Uncles needs ?

My aunt is one of those cooks that NEVER looked at a recipe, could make a biscuit from dust and spit... you know the type. The kind I'M NOT!!

My sisters are volunteering to help me, they all are cooks, I was the one Mom sent into the living room to watch sports with my dad....

 

[MerMom60_94]

My aunt is one of those cooks that NEVER looked at a recipe, could make a biscuit from dust and spit... you know the type. The kind I'M NOT!!

My sisters are volunteering to help me, they all are cooks, I was the one Mom sent into the living room to watch sports with my dad....

Robin, not to get off topic, but I've been wondering what ever happened to you and that food network show you were trying out for. Did you get the part? I'm really bad about watching t.v. but I PROMISE I will watch if you get on.

Your OP made me smile. You and your uncle are lucky to have each other.

 

[Robinrs]

What an awesome lady you are; everyone should have someone like you in their family!

Two of my favorite sites, recipezaar.com and allrecipes.com, both have sections pertaining to diabetics; I frequent them because DH has diabetes. Definitely worth a look; I've found some pretty good stuff in there!

LOVE recipezaar, I didn't realize they had diet specific recipes. THANKS so much!

Believe me, I've always been the WEIRD one in famiy..... the one who never did the NORMAL thing. This is actually the most normal thing I've ever done. I'm just glad I finally reached the age that they can trust me now!

 

[Notatourist]

What can I say, Robin, you are the woman! Love to your Uncle, Michael and of course your Aunt.

 

[Robinrs]

Robin, not to get off topic, but I've been wondering what ever happened to you and that food network show you were trying out for. Did you get the part? I'm really bad about watching t.v. but I PROMISE I will watch if you get on.

Your OP made me smile. You and your uncle are lucky to have each other.

No, I wasn't cast to be Worst Cook, but honestly THANK GOD because they're taping now and I couldn't have gone. My aunt is so ill I couldn't have possibly left town at this time and also, Michael's grandmother, my ex MIL, is in intensive care. NOT the time to be filming a reality show!

What can I say, Robin, you are the woman! Love to your Uncle, Michael and of course your Aunt.

Hey you!! Good to "see" you again!!

 

[Notatourist]

Good to be around. Long story, one day we will PM..K?

 

[malibuconlee]

Could you make an appointment with a dietician? Explain the situation and I'm sure you could get lots of help.

 

[golfgal]

Meals on Wheels typically only delivers one meal/day, as you know. Sometimes you can pay full price and buy a second meal and you could then have that on another day for him. Another suggestion would be to hire a cook for one meal/day. Breakfast shouldn't be too much of an issue I would think.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I always knew I liked your sense of humor (the way you opened this thread is a classic example ) and your family relationships are awe inspiring. So sorry about your Aunt any chance she has some recipes written down anywhere or cookbooks to address dear Uncles needs ?

Someone beat me to the punch! I was going to ask the same thing. It might be comforting for your uncle to continue having some of his favorites.

Also, is there a message board for diabetics? And then try the WISH thread here, they have LOTS of recipes for various things.

 

[bettymae1121]

All of the suggestions here should get you started, but you should check to see if a local hospital, clinic, community center, etc. has any diabetic nutrion classes that you could take. In addition to avoiding certain foods, portion control is a big part of controling diabeties and the class could help you get all of that sorted out.