Expert: Paula Damgaard - 11/4/2008

Question
My grandmother has been living with my mother for 5 years.  She suffered a stroke, has mini-strokes, and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.  She is in the latter stages...bed-ridden, fecal incontinence, diminished conversation--to only a few words and a smile, as well as the daily pull of her body into a slumping position.  The one thing about Nanny is she continues to eat, which still surprises the nurses and health care workers that see her each week.  She can feed herself, somewhat as a 2 or 3 year old could.  But our big question is her drinking ability.  We cannot find an appropriate cup for her to drink from.  We've bought almost every "sippy" cup out there and she doesn't have the brain functioning to be able to suck or sip from a straw.  We have looked on line but nothing seems to be set up for the patient who, as I said, still has the want to, to eat and drink.  If you have some links we would appreciate it very much!

Rachel

Answer
Rachel, Has your Nanny been evaluated by a speech therapist?  They would be able to offer you the most help.  They will evaluate her speech but more importantly her swallowing and be able to offer you the best ideas to help her drink.  The other suggestion I have is for you to contact the American Parkinson Disease Association, I know she doesn't have that but they have alot of the same problems and the APDA have a lot a pamphlets and books that deal with swallowing and the ability to get food to the mouth.  

I hope this helps.  Paula