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Guess what? I actually have a question and not a gripe for a change (smile)!


It's been a couple weeks since Dad's "minor" stroke, and for the most part, he seems to be taking things well. We want to start Occupational Therapy, but I won't be able to afford it until the move, and Medicare only covers hospice or OT, and I'd rather keep the hospice.


I've picked up a few things here and there. The OT at the hospital taught me how to dress Dad a little easier by starting with the challenged arm first, then the head, then the other arm.


I've purchased Dad some new pants that look like traditional casual pants but don't have zippers or buttons. There's a "mock fly" so he doesn't feel like he's wearing "old man pants".


Eating has been a little challenging. So far it's been a LOT of sandwiches cut into fours and finger foods. Dad gets frustrated when trying to eat a more traditional meal. It was already challenging enough with his sight, but now that he can't use his left hand to hold bread to push food onto his fork, he's struggling a bit.


I did some online research, but I'm overwhelmed with the amount of adaptive utensils out there. I'm not sure what to get.


So far, my other "must haves" include folding straws, cups with lids (but not the sippy cup looking ones. Dad hates those), and antibacterial hand wipes since Dad has a hard time washing his hands with soap.


Is there a guide or resource out there that would give me some pointers on helping Dad keep as much independence as possible... or a basic shopping list of some sort?

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https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/part-a/how-hospice-works.html

Your father can ABSOLUTELY get OT while on Hospice.
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For the eating and as a temp measure.
Stick a pencil or two (with bluetac) 1 x behind and one on the left side of where his plate will be. Something to shove against. Cut all into fork size pieces and let him loose. :)
Disclaimer - Fork not needed with soup. :)

Soup dishes with one handle so the last of it can be drunk.


Good luck
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I would add homeafterstroke.blogspot.com/ -- a blogger who had a stroke after years of working as a professional PT for stroke victims! Lots of tips and tricks if you browse her blog.
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TinyBlu, I am impressed with all that you have already done for your Dad! It can be overwhelming as to what utensils and adaptive equipment to get. Your choices of adaptive equipment needs to be based on what your Dad can and cannot do; and on how well he can use certain adaptive equipment.

I have included some websites that might be helpful.

American Stroke Association: www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/

National Stroke Association: www.stroke.org/

Stroke Rehab: www.stroke-rehab.com/ offers an e-book for $15.00, a Stroke Rehab Blog, Stroke Newsletters, Stroke Forum, and “Ask the Therapist”.

www.strokeaids.com/tips-for-eating-after-a-stroke/

www.stroke-rehab.com/adaptive-equipment.html

I hope that these websites can help you. Keep up the GREAT work that you are doing!
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Thank you everyone SOOOO much for the helpful websites.

BarbBrooklyn... once again... you're such a rockstar!!! I was really scratching my head trying to figure out how I was going to pay for OT and Hospice.

I plan on making a decision and ordering some adaptive eating utensils this weekend. A soup bowl with a handle... who knew?
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Tiny; if your hospice organization tells you that dad can't get hospice, show them the link. The sooner you get dad hooked up with OT, the better the outcome of his therapy will be.

Hospice should be fully covered by Medicare; are you paying anything out of pocket for Hospice?  I've never heard of that. 
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You can get food guards that provide a little "wall" on a plate. Many of them are designed for smaller plates (from a bygone era, I guess!)
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Plate with the raised edge, high sides, let them use a spoon or fork to push food against it. This really helps! I've seen that in action by several people.
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Put his food in small bowls. Then he has the far edge of the bowl to push against. If need be put the bowl on a towel or something to keep it from sliding on a slippery table top.
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He may not like this, there are child bowls and plates with a suction cup on the bottom so the bowl/plate won't slide. The placemates recommended com as placemats if you don't want to by a roll of moecam recommends. You can buy cups that have lids and straws. They come in some pretty patterns. Also, they are insulated so drinks stay cold. Bed,bath and beyond sell Trevis tumblers and lids to go with them. One lid I bought can be used with a straw the other has a slit for drinking.
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