Mealtime Support for Mom
So many shifts happening quickly since her recent stay in the hospital in the beginning of September. That really set her on a trajectory that we were not prepared for. The healthcare system can wreak havoc on people living with dementia, especially those who are Deaf or Deaf-Blind. This has all been pretty distressing and i am left to reconcile all of this in my heart. Will continue to share updates on mom’s condition and appreciate all the support.
#DementiaAwareness #Deaf #Coda #Caregiving #EndAlz #MemoryCare #Access #AccessibleCare #DirectCare #IRememberWhen
[Video description: 1 minute and 26 second video of MJ and her mother, Carmen. MJ, a white female in her late 40s, helps Carmen by offering her food and supporting her while she navigates food on her plate. Carmen, who is an 80 year old white female, is Deaf and is living with dementia. The video has text narration as well as subtitles for MJ and Carmen communicating in ASL.
Transcript: Trying to support mom with eating.
MJ: Do you want to eat a banana?
No response, so I opt to show her the banana.
Clearly she’s indicating excitement about eating it.
I like to prep her food in front of her, so she can engage in the process. It has to be more stimulating to her than just sitting alone, waiting. The way her face brightens says it all (pink heart emoji). Checking in with her to make sure it’s good.
MJ: Does it taste good?
Mom: Yes.
MJ: Good.
Mom is blind in her right eye so she can’t see the food on the right side of your plate. It’s helpful when I turn the plate so she can see the food from her left eye. Guiding her hand gently to bring it to her food seems to be helpful to her. Success!]