Hi, I just signed-up with this Forum, but have read its posts on and off for a number of months.
For the last four years my father has vascular dementia, and has been detoriating over this period. Last month when our GP visited she said he has severe dementia. I moved back home to live with him a couple of years ago, and gave up work last year to become his full time carer.
My main problem concerns his swallowing problems (dysphagia) which causes trouble when trying to feed him and also to give him his medication, especially Quetiapine to help control his anxiety and aggression.
He finds it very hard to swallow. Often I will give him his medication and he'll suck it and then spit the pills out. To be honest it is easier to give pills to the cats than it is for my father!
I cannot cut up the Quetiapine as it is a slow release pill. Has anyone else had similar problems with administrating pills, and if so, did you come to a workable solution?
The Quetiapine and Zopiclone (sleeping pills) are a godsend as they calm him down, and allow him (and me) to sleep through most of the night. Also to be honest they make caring for him a little more bearable
My second problem is dad is not eating enough. I now add a can or two of Dunn's River Nourishment drink to his diet. This is packed with calories, protein, carbohydrates etc. I was wondering whether anyone else has the same problems and can give me any advice on giving him enough food. I was thinking of adding baby food to his diet.
Sorry for the long winded question, but I am at a loss as to what to do.
For the last four years my father has vascular dementia, and has been detoriating over this period. Last month when our GP visited she said he has severe dementia. I moved back home to live with him a couple of years ago, and gave up work last year to become his full time carer.
My main problem concerns his swallowing problems (dysphagia) which causes trouble when trying to feed him and also to give him his medication, especially Quetiapine to help control his anxiety and aggression.
He finds it very hard to swallow. Often I will give him his medication and he'll suck it and then spit the pills out. To be honest it is easier to give pills to the cats than it is for my father!
I cannot cut up the Quetiapine as it is a slow release pill. Has anyone else had similar problems with administrating pills, and if so, did you come to a workable solution?
The Quetiapine and Zopiclone (sleeping pills) are a godsend as they calm him down, and allow him (and me) to sleep through most of the night. Also to be honest they make caring for him a little more bearable
My second problem is dad is not eating enough. I now add a can or two of Dunn's River Nourishment drink to his diet. This is packed with calories, protein, carbohydrates etc. I was wondering whether anyone else has the same problems and can give me any advice on giving him enough food. I was thinking of adding baby food to his diet.
Sorry for the long winded question, but I am at a loss as to what to do.
