It's heartbreaking and depressing to see how much weight my father has lost. He now resembles a walking bone. Liquids could be a sign that the elder is not swallowing. He chokes on everything while remaining rational.
There is a whole protocol to assist people who have swallowing disorders (dysphagia) and he should be assessed, usually that is done by a speech and language pathologist but sometimes a registered dietitian. But you don't need to wait for a formal diagnosis to start thickening his drinks and modifying his foods to a degree that makes eating safe.
Your dad has a lot going on. From your profile he has At 65 years of age: Cancer, Anxiety, Arthritis, Depression, Hearing loss, Heart Disease, Lung Disease, Mobility problems, Parkinson's Disease, Sleep disorder, Stroke, UTI and Vision problems. Is dad on Hospice? If he is eating it may be time that all his foods are pureed. His fluids may need to be thickened as well. There are times when the body can not distinguish between fluid, food or air so sometimes the passage to the lungs does not close when eating or drinking and food or fluid ends up in the lungs. This can cause Aspiration Pneumonia.
But you don't need to wait for a formal diagnosis to start thickening his drinks and modifying his foods to a degree that makes eating safe.
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/swallowing-disorders-tips-for-using-food-and-beverage-thickeners-208048.htm
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/dysphagia-how-to-help-a-loved-one-eat-and-drink-safely-187010.htm
At 65 years of age:
Cancer, Anxiety, Arthritis, Depression, Hearing loss, Heart Disease, Lung Disease, Mobility problems, Parkinson's Disease, Sleep disorder, Stroke, UTI and Vision problems.
Is dad on Hospice?
If he is eating it may be time that all his foods are pureed.
His fluids may need to be thickened as well. There are times when the body can not distinguish between fluid, food or air so sometimes the passage to the lungs does not close when eating or drinking and food or fluid ends up in the lungs. This can cause Aspiration Pneumonia.
Call his doctor and request one. Immediately.
Liquids can be dangerous to someone with impaired swallowing. He may need thickener added to them.
Aspiration pneumonia can kill.