Last month when we were allowed to see our family before permanent lock down; I would help her eat her meals. Seemed to help. But I helped her drink water with a straw after so many bites. That seemed to help her swallow.
I do not know if she does or does not have swallowing problems. I put a call into Dr today. Haven't received a call back yet. Also; Asked nurses about her teeth/dentures if they are wearing on her gums. Nurse didn't know, Last month; the dentist put a permanent liner in there to help with her teeth fitting better.
Pocketing food in her cheeks is likely due to her forgetting the need to swallow, which unfortunately happens in the later stages of dementia & Alzheimers. Such a foul disease. Here is a link explaining the entire matter, and what you can do (or ask the facility to do) for her:
Being that the entire country is in lock-down mode, there is nothing we as a family can do for our folks in ALFs right now, which is super frustrating and adding to our anxiety in general. My mother lives in a Memory Care ALF and is declining on what seems to be a daily basis. Yesterday she was speaking pure nonsense, and the day before, she was in SUCH a foul mood that she pretty much hung up on me. And yet, there's nothing I can do but call her and try to talk her off the ledge. I do call the facility quite often and chat with the caregivers and the nurse (it's a small place with 23 residents), which is a blessing. Hopefully you can do the same and get some feedback and share ideas with them about how best to help your mom eat and avoid choking hazards. Especially right now, which is a horrible time to go to the hospital.
Wishing you the best of luck and sending you a hug and a prayer for peace, my friend.
today. Haven't received a call back yet.
Also; Asked nurses about her teeth/dentures if they are wearing on her gums. Nurse didn't know,
Last month; the dentist put a permanent liner in there to help with her teeth fitting better.
https://www.free-alzheimers-support.com/problems-with-eating-drinking-and-chewing-in-late-stage-alzheimers/
Being that the entire country is in lock-down mode, there is nothing we as a family can do for our folks in ALFs right now, which is super frustrating and adding to our anxiety in general. My mother lives in a Memory Care ALF and is declining on what seems to be a daily basis. Yesterday she was speaking pure nonsense, and the day before, she was in SUCH a foul mood that she pretty much hung up on me. And yet, there's nothing I can do but call her and try to talk her off the ledge. I do call the facility quite often and chat with the caregivers and the nurse (it's a small place with 23 residents), which is a blessing. Hopefully you can do the same and get some feedback and share ideas with them about how best to help your mom eat and avoid choking hazards. Especially right now, which is a horrible time to go to the hospital.
Wishing you the best of luck and sending you a hug and a prayer for peace, my friend.