How good do my cooking skills need to be?
This is a question that you may ask when you apply to become a live-in carer. Living with the person that you are taking care of normally requires that you also cook their meals.
Occasionally another person will do this, or you may be supplied with meals which are delivered, but most of the time, it is the job of the carer to take over the cooking.
So, how good do you need to be?
It can be quite daunting for someone coming from another country when faced with cooking traditionally British food. The truth is that it is not that hard to meet these requests.
If you are a reasonably good cook in your own country, then cooking food for your client will not pose too much of a problem.
Start your own recipe book.
Here you should write down any recipes which you like at various placements. It’s a good idea to ask the outgoing carer what your client enjoys eating and keep a simple recipe in your book. You can adapt it for different clients.
Often you will find that other carers have left recipes in the kitchen, which they use themselves. Pop them in your recipe book and you will have an idea for another day.
Keep your recipe book with you so you can use it with every client. Soon you will find that you have a collection of ‘go to’ dishes which you are confident in making and serving.
Use online ideas.
Most placements will have internet. It is very easy to look up a recipe, write it down, and cook it for your client. Many English meals consist of meat, potatoes in one or other form, and one or two portions of vegetables.
Cooking potatoes is probably something that most people have seen their mothers do as they grew up, and these can be adapted to suit your client by simply changing the ingredients. Try not to make things too spicy as many older people do not like this.
Vegetables are uncomplicated to cook, and by asking your client how they prefer their vegetables seasoned, you can easily serve them every day.
Many older clients will prefer softer sorts of meat, so avoid steak and chunks of meat which require too much chewing. This will leave you with a combination of dishes made from minced meat, soft chicken, and small pieces of sausages or bacon.
Ask your client.
Many of your clients will have kept their own recipe books as they were growing up. You will get a very good idea of what they like to eat by reading through their own books. They are normally wonderful sources of information.
Focus on quick and easy.
Dishes like Shepherd’s Pie, Macaroni Cheese, Spaghetti Bolognaise (with pasta if that’s easier to eat), Fish pie, and chicken casseroles are all quick and easy to make. If you find that you have made too much, it can simply be frozen for another day.
All these dishes can be made from online recipes or by asking your client.
To sum up
Cooking does not have to be complicated, even though your client will appreciate good food. Read your recipe through in the morning, and make sure you have everything you need for it. Consider the time your client normally eats, and the time needed to cook your dish.
Give yourself plenty of time until you get the hang of the dish, soon you will be able to make it quicker.
Cooking is not difficult, and you do not have to be a gourmet chef, what is required is that you listen to what your client likes and cook nutritious meals for them and yourself.
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