First noticed pocketing a half year ago. It was occasional and a reminder seemed to do the trick. Yesterday there was an escalation. For what seemed like a long 2-5 minutes we couldn't get mom to swallow. Multiple reminders and prods failed to accomplish the task. Ultimately aid brought her to the bathroom and simply removed the food from her mouth herself. Already spoke to the geriatric doctor. We're going to feed her earlier in the day and see if giving her something yummy like chocolate pudding helps. I'm not looking to fix her but wondering how long a person can go on with sub-optimal nutrition. I plan to tell the aid that if she doesn't appear responsive to food not to force it and simply wait till the next meal to start again. Given the choice between skipping a meal and asphyxiation I'd prefer t skip the meal
In 2024 you posted you thought Mom was in her 6th or 7th stage. That was 2 yrs ago. Not being able to swallow can be the body shutting down. Food nor water should be forced at that time. The body can no longer process it. It may be time for Hospice.
When all of these things come about, they are nearing the end. I see it a lot at my husband's memory care facility.
Everything should be minced, pureed, or soft (like pudding). And someone should be feeding her, or at least monitoring her while she eats.
My husband has dysphagia, and I make him 12 cups of thickened protein drinks every day. I use 4 Boost, 4 cups of milk, 2 cups of water, a thickening agent (Nestle Resource Thicken-Up) and I add some instant pudding and a juice to create different flavors. Orange juice and vanilla is really good; so is Strawberry Banana. Instant chocolate pudding makes a nice chocolate shake.
This makes a yummy, creamy shake which he can easily swallow. It provides all the protein, calories, carbohydrates, MCT's and vitamins he needs in a day.
I totally agree with you, as I'm sure most doctors would, that skipping a meal is not as important as swallowing safely. Please avoid giving her any liquids which are not thickened.
As her body winds down, she may stop eating all together. The body can no longer process food when the end is near.
You are right that she consistently did better earlier in the day for breakfast and lunch.