Thank you so much for visiting our page! As many of you know, my father, James Van Patten recently underwent a below-the-knee amputation. He is currently getting ready to move to a rehabilitation facility working hard on his physical therapy before he comes home. While my mother, Laura Van Patten and my siblings spend their days working jobs and being at the facility supporting him, we want to make sure the busy crew at home is well-fed! We are starting this meal train now to take the burden of cooking off their shoulders during this exhausting transition. To help things run smoothly, please follow these guidelines: Portions for 3–4 People: My mother, Laura and two of my siblings will be eating these meals. Generous portions are great so they can pack leftovers to take to the rehab center or when they go to work for lunch. Flexible Drop-Off: Since the family is frequently back and forth from the facility, please leave meals in the large cooler on the front porch. Please deliver meals anytime of day. Packaging: Please use disposable containers so no one has to worry about washing dishes after a long day at the hospital or rehabilitation facility. Food Preferences: No restrictions, they love everything! Once James is ready to come home, we will update this page regarding his arrival and any new dietary needs. Your love and support mean everything to the family!
Special Request: Grocery Deliveries & Rehab Practice Items In addition to cooked meals, we are highly encouraging grocery deliveries or digital restaurant or grocery gift cards (Instacart, Kroger, Walmart, DoorDash, UberEats etc.). Right now, these help keep the house stocked while Mom and the siblings are at the rehab facility. Furthermore, James will be actively learning how to navigate the kitchen and cook from a walker and or crutches with his new mobility limits during his therapy sessions. If you would like to send a grocery delivery, please text our mother, Laura, at 563-340-9131. She can give you a real-time list of specific ingredients or easy-to-handle items his therapists have requested for his weekly kitchen rehab practices! Pre-Chopped Veggies & Fruits: Great for practicing simple assembly (like making a stir-fry or salad) without the danger of chopping while balancing. Lightweight, Plastic Containers: Swapping heavy glass jars for plastic squeeze bottles (like mayo or mustard) makes reaching and lifting from a seated position much safer. Boxed or Pre-Portioned Snacks: Items like granola bars or individual pretzel bags are perfect for practicing reaching into pantries or navigating internal storage. One-Bowl Meals: Ingredients for simple, microwaveable, or single-pot meals (like loaded baked potatoes or oatmeal) help him practice moving hot items across a counter safely.