Update on my 96-year old Mom.
We have an appointment with the hospital dietician on Tuesday. That is to find out ways to increase her calorie intake without causing her swallowing difficulties. I’m sure they will be suggesting thickener for her liquids. I had never heard to doing such things until about 3 days ago. So, I’m bound to get some good information.
I have her on the strong version of Ensure Plus along with whatever soft foods I can get her to eat. She will eat baby food if I put extra seasoning in it. I haven’t told her I’m giving her some baby food though, because I don’t want to hurt her feelings. She also likes cottage cheese, ice cream, rice, and scrambled eggs, but I have to give her very small spoonfuls.
She seems to do pretty well if I spoon feed her. I also discovered one of her problems with drinking from a glass is that she tries to take too many swallows of water too fast. So, I am reinforcing the idea of taking a small sip, swallowing , waiting 5-10 seconds and then repeat.When she remembers to do that, she does pretty well with drinking water from a glass. Drinking through a straw totally messes her up.
She is also referred to take a swallow study at the hospital, but they haven’t called to give her an appointment yet. I need to let the doctor’s office know so we can get after the hospital and get that scheduled.
Thank you for all of the prayers and I would appreciate if you would continue to remember her in daily prayers.
I went through something similar with my mother. The swallow study was extremely helpful. Keep after them.
Ninety-six years; so impressive a lifetime; but, in truth; no matter how you count the years; life is short. Prayers for your Mom.