Adapted cutlery and one way straws

[Tilly13]

Hello
My Dad has advanced Alzheimers and since last week has suddenly had a steep drop - we ( staff and Advanced Nurse Practitioner ) haven't yet established if it is an infection or progression of Dementia.
He was suddenly unable to weight bear and has for some months been sleeping more/ keeping his eyes shut.
He is often physical with Personal care.
He is in a Residential Care Home.

Along with this change he is not eating a lot and seems unsure about how to use his cutlery.
Drinking is slow too and hesitant.

I just wanted to ask if anyone has had any experience of using adapted cutlery and would recommend any ?
Also I've seen one way straws and wondered about them too?

Thank you

 

[jay6]

I would get him checked first to see if there are any infections. It's surprising just how much infections affect PWD. It can seem like a step down but may not be.

 

[Tilly13]

Thanks for your reply @jay6
Yes I agree - he really struggled earlier in the year with his recovery from Covid

 

[jay6]

I was surprised just how much infections have an effect. It's now the first thing I look at fi things suddenly change. Only learnt that on here though.

 

[Blissy]

My husband was having problems with knife and fork so meals are now either finger food or able to be eaten with a spoon. I also bought playes from the Alzheimer's shop that are blue and have a lip so it keeps the food on the plate and makes scooping it onto the spoon easier.

 

[Blissy]

playes should be p!ates!

 

[canary]

Yes, I was going to suggest finger food too

The time may be approaching when he needs to be fed