Dementia is considered Type 2 Diabetes. He is 96 yr old and still ambulatory, walking back in forth to the living room and his bedroom toilet.
He loves to eat every 2 hours and goes to the toilet after drinking more than a glass of liquid. I suggested the following care to his caregivers as we tag team to offer in home non medical caregiving services to him:
Massage his head, shoulder and legs to get him to relax. Allow him to watch his favorite old cowboy movies. And to indulge in ice cream but in small servings. Add healthy variation to his snacks of crackers, cottage cheese, avocado, soft boiled eggs, cooked carrots, soup, decaf coffee and other healthy snacks.
Allow him to participate in decision making but act like a mother, caregiver, nurse and family. Remind him where the toilet is and where to walk. Ask permission to change his diapers that he calls underwear. Allow space for him at night when he starts to be grouchy or screams.
Medication schedule:
Most of his meds are separated in the morning and evening with meals. Give the melatonin and calcium with magnesium powder at night, 1 hour before bedtime. Give the probiotic at noon and evening and digestive enzymes and activated charcoal in the morning.
Omega 3 or fish oil is best given at noon.
Always give citrus fruits in the morning and noon. Give his breakfast at 4 or 7 am when he wakes up as he needs to drink some liquid. Serve small portion as he has extra weight already.
1. Eat in a quiet and calm room with limited distractions so that your loved one can focus on eating.
2. Eat meals together which can increase the likelihood that your loved one will eat the healthy meal provided.
3. Pack in protein. Even if your loved one cannot chew meat well, try eggs, milk-based pudding, or even protein powder.
4. Cut food into small pieces to make eating easier if your loved one can no longer use utensils.
5. Puree vegetables and add them to a shake if your loved one will not eat vegetables on their own.
6. Strengthen the prefrontal cortex responsible for dietary self-restraint by avoiding alcohol, getting adequate sleep, and exercising.