I don't often post messages on this forum, but thought that many of you are bound to have gone through this stage and so might have some wise words. My mother has had Vascular dementia and Alzheimers for 9 years (at least) and is very frail now. In the last few weeks I have noticed that her swallowing is getting really bad- she has been on thickened drinks and mashed foods for over a year, but on Friday couldn't get anything down without choking. It did improve a bit when I liquidised her food - but I could see that it was still a big effort. Can anyone tell me what the next step is - I fear that it will be feeding tubes, but I know that that will mean that in the future I will have to make a decision, presumably, to withdraw that tube. I have asked for a Speech Therapist to come and visit, but just wanted to know from normal people - rather than professionals - what the possibilities were and what might happen next.
Thank you for your help.
Thank you for your help.