Care Management ~ Eldercare Advocacy ~ Dementia Care

Dear Judie,

Mom’s (81) Alzheimer’s and arthritis make it difficult for her to grip silverware. She can't spear her food with her fork and ends up pushing it off the plate. She gets frustrated and we spend the entire meal reassuring her. Family meals are becoming events to avoid whenever possible. We want to keep Mom at the family table to retain her dignity; we want our kids to learn respect and caring.  

• Sydney, Vero

Dear Sydney,

How lucky your children are to have caring parents teaching by example. Finger-foods like bite-sized pieces of breakfast bars, cut up fruit, and small, easy-to-handle finger sandwiches can make Mom comfortable at breakfast and lunch. Plate guards or high-sided bowls (www.alzstore.com) and special built-up, foam, angled silverware (www.elderstore.net or www.abledata.com) can help Mom grip utensils and keep her food on the plate and help reduce your family’s stress level. You’ll likely experience many more changes in Mom’s abilities to perform everyday tasks. For more help, call Alzheimer’s Community Care (Martin772-223-6351/St. Lucie- 772-460-9166; Ft. Pierce- 772 466-3261), the Alzheimer’s Assn. (800-272-3900), or Alzheimer’s/Parkinson’s Assn. (Vero 772-563-0505).

Judie Rappaport, President & Founder
Preferred Lifestyle Services

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