Anonymous wrote:Has your dad had his swallowing evaluated by a speech therapist? To make sure that he is not aspirating without realizing it? He might do better on a diet of puréed foods or something like that. He might also benefit from a consult with a nutritionist.
My father likes this thing “Magic Cup” that he got in the hospital. We’ve ordered them for home. I don’t know if it’s better than ice cream in terms of nutrition but it’s supposed to be some sort of fortified frozen dessert.
https://www.hormelhealthlabs.com/brand/magic-cup/
My father who has a Parkinson’s like illness has developed GI problems. I’ve read that sometimes food can sort of stick around in the stomach too long in the elderly which results in an overproduction of acid that leads to reflux. Eating more frequent smaller meals is one way to deal with this but if there’s any sign of heartburn or reflux I would get on PPI medicine quick because it can turn into a real nightmare. I know this from experience.
Swallowing pills can become an issue and one advantage of a G-tube is that medications can be crushed and delivered through it.
Finding care at home with a G-tube can be difficult because agency aides will not want to do it. Despite the fact that, as people have said, random family members are expected to do it after a 5 minute video….A non-licensed helper hired through informal word of mouth etc wouldn’t have to worry about tube-related legalities
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