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Weeone Asked August 2015

My husband is in memory care and in the past day or two he is refusing to eat. Any advice?

Has the idea that he is allergic to anything they might have at mealtime.. He is allergic to tree nuts which the staff is fully aware of. No matter what I say to convince him that the food is free of nuts he just won't eat. The staff is also trying ....but..Any suggestions?

BarbBrooklyn Aug 2015
Has been placed there recently? This may be the only way that his very dysfunctional brain can protest. Certainly, talk to the doctor about this, meds may help. And the swallowing eval is a great idea.

Sunnygirl1 Aug 2015
Oh, I would also discuss medication with his doctor. See if here is anything to help with the delusion. Also, they may be able to treat his anxiety. Anxiety may be causing the delusion.

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Sunnygirl1 Aug 2015
What if they place his meal in a take out box and write NO NUTS on the outside. Then put the box into a plastic bag that makes it appears to be a takeout bag. Even place a receipt inside so he doesn't think he was prepared there. You can say it was specifically ordered for allergies residents.

Also, don't stand over him. Just place the food down and walk away. Sometimes insisting on the patient doing something works the opposite way. Let him eat when he's ready. Or serve him a can of Ensure.

You might also have him evaluated for swallowing problems. With dementia, eating is eventually going to become an issue. It may be that you have to do it sooner than you anticipated. I would read up on your options.

calicokat Aug 2015
We had a similar problem with MIL and it turned out she had a UTI. Is this possible with your husband?

Ours was not resolved well, we had to change her to a new home because we simply could not convince her the food was ok. Hope you are able to resolve this!

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