Thirsty but struggling to drink

[Littlebear]

My husband with FTD (NFPA - a variant which comes with speech & swallowing difficulties) seems suddenly today lost the ability to drink. He doesn’t seem able to get the liquid out of the cup/mug/glass into his mouth. Most of it is just going straight down his front. He’s had problems for a while. He’s still eating ok (soft diet) He’s obviously thirsty as he keeps trying to drink. Has anyone any suggestions? I’ve tried different size cups & glasses, a lidded cup & a straw all to no avail. I made him a thick smoothie & managed to get some of that into him & I’m giving him lots of grapes, cucumber etc but I am really worried. He’s just been treated for a UTI. I shall be on the phone to the GP first thing tomorrow but I know how quickly people can get dehydrated. Any suggestions much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Izzy]

I’m sorry to hear of the problems your husband is facing just now @Littlebear. Do you have contact with a speech and language therapist (SALT). I’m sure they could make some suggestions or provide any different types of cup etc which might help.

Apologies if you have already had a conversation with SALT but if not please ask the GP if they can get a referral.

I’ve read about these but have no experience of them -

Partnering with Jelly Drops to stop dehydration in dementia

Jelly Drops are sweets containing 90 per cent water that can keep people with dementia hydrated. Alzheimer’s Society is partnering with the Jelly Drops team through our Accelerator Programme.

www.alzheimers.org.uk

Jelly Drops: Sweets To Support Hydration | Official Website

Jelly Drops are award-winning sweets to boost hydration. Invented for people with dementia & now enjoyed by anyone wanting to increase water intake.

www.jellydrops.com

 

[Littlebear]

Thanks. I’ve left a message for the SALT team but I think it’s the OTs that advise on cups etc & I don’t have a referral to them - yet!!

 

[Izzy]

I hope your conversation with the doctor is helpful and you get the referral. Things are possibly different where I live. Cups etc were provided by the SALT team for my husband but other items for the house etc by OT. Good luck.

 

[Littlebear]

May be different or I might have got it wrong! Hopefully I’ll find out tomorrow who I need to contact.

 

[Littlebear]

Thankfully yesterday he was almost back to drinking normally but the SALT team have said to try a Nosey cup so I’ve ordered one to try. I just fear we are moving on to another stage but hopefully not.