Lovely senior life

[For Seniors] Making Snacks in Nursing Homes: A Collection of Easy Recommended Recipes

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.
Worked as a certified care worker for 17 years.Nanaka
I’ve been working as a certified care worker for 17 years. I’m Nanaka, a caregiving web writer. I decided to pursue this profession because I wanted a job that would help people. Having worked in day care for many years, I’ve experienced a wide variety of recreational activities. Exercise set to music, in particular, always created a cheerful atmosphere and was very well received. I’d be delighted to continue delivering writing that resonates with readers through caregiving-related articles. Thank you for your support.

Eating snacks makes you feel happy, doesn’t it?

So why not incorporate snack-making into recreation activities at day services and senior care facilities?

Because older adults have a wide range of physical and mental conditions, there may be times when using fire or knives isn’t possible.

In such cases, recipes that use a microwave or oven, or ones that just require mixing and setting, are recommended.

They’re easy and safe to try, so many people can enjoy them.

Have the seniors share the tasks little by little, with care staff watching over and supporting as needed.

And at the end, how about everyone chatting together and enjoying a lovely tea party?

[For Seniors] Making Snacks at Nursing Homes: A Collection of Easy Recommended Recipes (121–130)

amber sugar (kohakutou; a traditional Japanese candy made from agar and sugar)

I wonder how much I’m spending on kohakutou 😇✨ #sweets #kohakutou #mizunoiro #vlog

amber sugar (kohakutou; a traditional Japanese candy made from agar and sugar)

Ambrosial sugar confections known as kohakutou are often called “edible jewels” for their colorful, sparkling appearance.

Did you know these photogenic sweets are easy to make at home? The steps are simple: heat water with sugar and gelatin until fully dissolved, tint with food coloring, chill to set, cut into bite-sized pieces, then let them dry for a few days.

The result is a delightful contrast—crisp on the outside and chewy inside, with a uniquely fun texture.

Their beautiful look also makes them a lovely gift.

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sweet potato pudding

Sweet Potato Pudding: Easy 4-Ingredient, Quick Dessert Recipe♪ | macaroni

sweet potato pudding

Here’s a soft, easy-to-eat sweet potato pudding.

Microwave the sweet potatoes until tender, mash them, add sugar and milk, and blend.

Once it’s a smooth paste, add more milk and eggs, mix, and pour into containers.

Place the containers in a baking pan, add hot water to the pan, and bake in the oven.

After baking, let them cool slightly, then top with whipped cream or the cooked sweet potato skins.

You can also steam-bake them in a frying pan with water instead of using an oven.

Turning cooked sweet potatoes into pudding makes them smoother and easier to swallow.

It should make sweet potatoes easier for older adults to enjoy, too.

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milk ice

No shaved ice machine needed: Milk Ice that’s tastier than shaved ice—just mix two ingredients!

milk ice

When it comes to summer, shaved ice is a classic—but here’s a step-up idea: milk ice.

The great thing about this milk ice is that you can make it without a shaved ice machine! Microwave milk with dissolved sugar, pour it into a storage bag, and freeze it… that’s all it takes.

You might think it would freeze rock hard, but the finished product becomes a sorbet-like texture that you can scoop with a spoon after a quick fluff.

Plate it up, top it with strawberry jam or your favorite flavors, and dig in! That piercing chill will make you forget the summer heat.

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Microwave Steamed Bread

Super easy!! How to make steamed bread in the microwave / Dessert recipe using pancake mix

Microwave Steamed Bread

This is an easy steamed cake you can make in the microwave using pancake mix.

Just mix the ingredients until combined, pour into a mold, and heat in the microwave—simple steps.

If you let them try cooking with a bit of help on the side, they can really enjoy seeing how something they made turns out when it’s baked.

It’s fine to simply have them eat the finished steamed cake, but you could also let them add cream or fruit as they like and enjoy the decorating, too.

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[For Seniors] Making Snacks at Nursing Homes: A Collection of Easy Recommended Recipes (131–140)

Isobeyaki made with tofu

Chewy, delicious isobeyaki. Made with tofu instead of mochi! The Okuzono-style dried-ingredient technique is the key. <Tofu Isobeyaki>

Isobeyaki made with tofu

This is a healthy isobeyaki-style recipe made with tofu, making it easy for seniors to enjoy.

Put 300 g of firm tofu into a plastic bag and mash it, then gradually mix in 10 g of tororo kombu.

Next, add a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and mix again.

That completes the dough.

Divide the dough into 8 portions, gently roll them into balls by hand, arrange them in a frying pan heated with sesame oil, place nori on top, and pan-fry.

Finally, season with a sauce made by mixing mirin and soy sauce, and it’s ready to serve!

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In conclusion

Snacks made through recreation become especially memorable because you enjoy them together.

Since the recipes are all simple, try making them by joining forces with older adults and staff.

From snowball cookies and sweet potato treats to seasonal jellies, the time spent making and eating together will naturally spark conversation and create a wonderful moment filled with smiles.