My mother-in-law with advanced dementia, will shove more food into her mouth before she chews and swallows whats in there. I cut it up as small as I can without puréeing it, but she’ll shove it into her cheek and then sit there and chew and chew and chew, but not swallow before she goes for another bite. I realize this is a stage that they go through, but I am at wits end to try to help her without purée all her food. She is able to choose some and swallow. Should I give her smaller portions? Any help would be appreciated.
- instead of three squares a day try dividing her calories into smaller, snack sized meals served more often
- try having her take a sip of water often throughout the meal
- Do pay special attention to any meats you serve, it needs to be minced and served moist and loose meat style because even a hamburger patty can cause choking (as I unfortunately learned)
- things like thick soups and stews are often already an appropriate texture that are easier to swallow and are less apt to be pocketed
- smoothies are another good way to add calories
- think about planning meals that include foods that are already a soft/pureed texture, it's not necessary to serve a plate of mush. Over the years I've compiled a list
SOFT and PUREE FOOD DIET IDEAS
breakfast
scrambled eggs
oatmeal, cream of wheat, cornmeal mush, congee*
yogurt
pureed fruit
lunch/dinner
creamed soups
mashed potatoes, squash, rutabaga, sweet potato
finely chopped/ground meat in sauce or gravy*
pasta sauce over polenta or very tender pasta*
savoury custards/crustless quiche
refried beans
dahl
hummus
cottage cheese*
avocado and guacamole
fish pie
grits*
snacks/desserts
custard
milk pudding
yogurt
smoothies
applesauce and other variations
silken tofu puddings
(* these items may not be suitable for some levels of dysphagia)
What she is doing now is called "pocketing" and yes it's very common with folks with dementia, thus why you need to start pureeing her foods today, and probably also need to be the one feeding her.
And make sure that you're thickening her drinks as well. I used the product Thick It for my late husband and it worked great.
I am so very sorry. File this under "just one more thing!"
But also Only put enough cut up food on her plate for one small mouthful at a time . When she swallows you put another mouthful on her plate. A bowl may work better than a plate.