grocery list - kitchen organization.?

Question

I'm organizing my grandmas kitchen/pantry. Currently she has 6 different locations for keeping food and she never knows what she has and i hate grocery shopping for her- knowing she has 10 cans already- she just cant find them or doesnt remember where they are- or she swears she's out. She keeps some in a cubbard in the house- some in the garage, some under the island & some in the basement pantry. I went through today and wrote down everything she has- (made an inventory).. Are there any websites- i can put in all the ingrediants i have in my kitchen and it will give me recipes based on those items or anything? Any ideas on how I can re-organize everything? I'm thinking like Jellies/Jams in one area, Canned Veggies in another.. etc Things have just gotten out of hand- she asked me to buy her more jelly the other day- and today i found seriosuly- 18 jars of different jelly in the cubbards! This makes cooking a nightmare for her- and she already has memory issues as it is...

Answer 1

Since it can take lots of time to organize the kitchen, let's start step by step. You are welcome to write to me for more details.

1. Check the expiration dates, and any food jar/can that has been open for unknown dates. Throw them away

2. Location vs. Various goods
under the island = heavy and frequently used
cupboard = light weight and frequently used
basement pantry = rarely used
garage = non-perishable and for household use
(ex. detergent)

3. Use "Images" as a memory aid
Inexpensive way: Take the cover off from the food package/jar to make a "graphical list" and place on each cupboard door. This way she knows what is in each location by looking at the door list.
OR
Check the manufacturer's web site and print the logo/brand image. Then you can make a nice graphical list with Microsoft PowerPoint. Paste on the door of each cupboard.

4. Recipe site with ingredient search:
http://allrecipes.com - (my favorite since it comes with reviews)
http://www.recipeland.com
http://home.ivillage.com/cooking/recipes/recipefinder - (detailed search engine ex. breakfast or lunch, regional cuisine, etc...)

5. Use grocery list program and make pantry list
http://www.grocerysurf.com - input all the goods your grandma has into the pantry (add all to the shopping list and unload them into the pantry room) and get the printable pantry list with the notes that shows the location of each item.

6. (Optional) Keep one cupboard empty in the kitchen. Every time grandma opens a jar or food package, ask her to put it into that cupboard. This way she doesn't mess up the system you organize for her, and she doesn't feel compelled or forced to follow all the rules. Sometimes the elderly can be quite stubborn. The last thing you want is to see the whole disorganized situation starts all over again. So give her a flexible space if you think it is a good idea.

Answer 2

I may have read more into your question than is there. I am going to give U a lot of advice. Take what U want & throw the rest out. Grandma should be organizing her own kitchen/pantry. You just help. (do all lifting carrying etc) That way things R were she wants them. If grandma's memory is an issue I would put labels on the outside of cupboards. So grandma knows whats in there. Maybe she thought there was no jam because she was looking for it in the wrong cupboard (maybe it used to be stored in that cupboard yrs. ago). Yes, store like items together. Perhaps a 'list' or 'map' showing what items R usually in garage/basement/whereever would help. Ask yourself " can grandma easily get to items"? Maybe jam is too hard to access. (2 high 2 low 2 far 2 heavy) If U can not store all food in the kitchen maybe U could set up a box/shelf where a few items (e.g. 3 kinds of jellie, 3 kinds of canned veg., canned sauces, canned tuna/salmon) that grandma usually uses in a week can be kept. That way she does not have to go out to the garage or down in basement to get items. Also items would be more visible. A frequent visitor can replenish box/shelf for grandma. Two years ago I reorganized my own kitchen I was surprised at the non-food things taking up valuable space. (A pot I only used once a yr. 4 pitchers 3 can openers etc) If grandma has similar items they should be given away or stored in garage/basement. Less stuff = more space. Be sure to ASK grandma b4 getting rid of any of her things. There R sites that give thousands of recipes for one food there4 other sites should give recipes using 3 or more ingrediants. Try foodtv.ca If she gives U a grocery list over phone drop in & check cupboards be4 going to store. As long as U R there maybe grandma would like to go with U to get her own groceries. As U have already made inventory keep it at your place & update when U visit. That way if grandma calls & says there is no jam (U know she has 12 jars) U can ask her to check in the garage/basement 3rd shelf or where ever. Her 'memory issues' R probably as frustrating (if not down right scary) for her as for U. Have U got professional advice? As long as U R organizaing kitchen have U or other family member done any "organizing" WITH grandma about her furture? My mom organized her later life & death well still able to function fully. This saved a lot of problems for her children. We knew what Mom wanted & were able to get it done when she no long could organize things for herself. She died last yr. at age 95. It is very nice of U to help grandma but don't do everything alone. U have asked for help from strangers, a good first step. Now get help from family/friends/church/professionals. Do not wait for them to offer to help. Vague offers of help do not cut it. TELL them politely what grandma/U needs done. Been there. Done that. Good Luck.

Answer 3

You're on the right track by organizing and taking inventory. In our house we have small cupboards and have to keep things in different places, and you're right by wanting to keep related things in the same spaces.

My flours and sugars are under my work table, the pasta is in my bookcase in my office, canned veggies go on one shelf in the cupboard on the left with soups on the right. Spices are either in a drawer or on top of the fridge depending on the size of the container. Rice and dried beans are in the kitchen in the third drawer down. Baking goods like chocolate and baking powder are in the pantry on the second shelf. Sauces and vinegars go on the first shelf. Oils go on the second in the pantry. Box mixes go on the top shelf.

What I suggest is once you get your system down for your grandma, label her shelves with masking tape so she can see what you put where. With someone losing memory, they can at least read where things are at.

Good luck and G-d bless!

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Does your grandmother still live in her own home? If so, she probably feels comfortable with things as they are. If she has memory issues, then her lack of organization may be more bothersome to you than to her. My grandmother passed away a couple of years ago. How I wish I could go back and help her to organize her kitchen, anything to just spend some more time with her. Please don't lose patience with her, if she isn't readily accepting of your help. Please do enjoy your time with her.