I am caring for my husband at home. He has been deteriorating at an alarming rate since a UTI in February this year. A week ago he lost the ability to stand (aided) for short periods for personal care, and is now being hoisted. He has been holding (storing) food and fluids in his mouth for several weeks, but now his swallowing reflex is letting him down almost all the time. District nurses have advised thickened liquids and liquidised food: from my point of view (selfish??), the last bits of enjoyment lost for him, and also for me, as I regard the giving/sharing of tasty food a major part of 'caring'.
Sadly, he is only able to swallow very little, and we have been offered a 'swallowing assessment' next Tuesday.
So, with my thoughts and emotions in turmoil, I now face the tough realisation that dehydration is imminent unless we experience a huge miracle.
While I wait anxiously for our Tuesday assessment, does anyone have any experience or advice? Are there suitable alternatives to drips and peg feeding? Is hospitalisation inevitable? I desperately want to do something NOW to help him. Any tips??
I want to be strong, but I am so tired and scared - - -
Sadly, he is only able to swallow very little, and we have been offered a 'swallowing assessment' next Tuesday.
So, with my thoughts and emotions in turmoil, I now face the tough realisation that dehydration is imminent unless we experience a huge miracle.
While I wait anxiously for our Tuesday assessment, does anyone have any experience or advice? Are there suitable alternatives to drips and peg feeding? Is hospitalisation inevitable? I desperately want to do something NOW to help him. Any tips??
I want to be strong, but I am so tired and scared - - -