My mother has dementia and just stopped walking. She doesn't eat or drink much. How can I get her to?
I feed her now because she plays in her food. She sometimes does not swallow. It's difficult to get her to take her medications because she doesn't swallow it.
Well happy you asked that question. I emailed her doctor told her that can we get someone over to evaluate her and I was told to take her to ED which we did. I was told it is the progression of the dementia I thought that was it anyways. I have a friend who is a LVN for hospice she told me to email the Dr and request hospice. I have supplies and I was able to get her to take her Meds in a smoothie.
When someone's body is shutting down, they often do not want to eat and drink. Forcing food on them can actually cause them discomfort. You would benefit from a consultation with a palliative care professional. They will focus on keeping your mother comfortable.
Answering based on my mothers situation which is similar - Is she pocketing the food? Can you tell? or is she sort of stirring it around on the plate as in she is not really sure what to do with it? or choking? For the medicine/ pills, the thickened water has helped because it goes down slower- If that is still difficult, you can try applesauce, or pudding.
One thing that has helped us with nutrition has been "milkshakes" Carnation instant breakfast mix with a glass of cold milk, fruits and sometimes ice cream, peanut butter etc. then blend it all together. The cold things are easier to swallow. Thick it is a thickener you can buy at the drug store to add to liquids for her as well. . If you have Hospice, ask them to send out their nutritionist for a consult. If you don't have them, it sounds like she might qualify based on what you wrote.
No hospice yet I am thinking about that. I'll email the doctor tonite. Yes, She started playing in her food about 6 months ago. Strange thing isn't it. I was able to get her to take her meds in a milkshake. I used a little protein powder no Whey or Soy milk fruit and a little ice cream.
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I have a friend who is a LVN for hospice she told me to email the Dr and request hospice.
I have supplies and I was able to get her to take her Meds in a smoothie.
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For the medicine/ pills, the thickened water has helped because it goes down slower- If that is still difficult, you can try applesauce, or pudding.
One thing that has helped us with nutrition has been "milkshakes" Carnation instant breakfast mix with a glass of cold milk, fruits and sometimes ice cream, peanut butter etc. then blend it all together. The cold things are easier to swallow. Thick it is a thickener you can buy at the drug store to add to liquids for her as well. . If you have Hospice, ask them to send out their nutritionist for a consult. If you don't have them, it sounds like she might qualify based on what you wrote.
Yes, She started playing in her food about 6 months ago. Strange thing isn't it.
I was able to get her to take her meds in a milkshake. I used a little protein powder no Whey or Soy milk fruit and a little ice cream.
How long has it been since your mother has seen her doctor? Have you let them know she is no longer walking?
Ask for a hospice evaluation. If she is eligble you will get some help and supplies.
If she’s not then perhaps some therapy would be in order. A speech therapist can evaluate her swallowing.
Be careful of aspiration pneumonia.