Guess what? I actually have a question and not a gripe for a change (smile)!
It's been a couple weeks since Dad's "minor" stroke, and for the most part, he seems to be taking things well. We want to start Occupational Therapy, but I won't be able to afford it until the move, and Medicare only covers hospice or OT, and I'd rather keep the hospice.
I've picked up a few things here and there. The OT at the hospital taught me how to dress Dad a little easier by starting with the challenged arm first, then the head, then the other arm.
I've purchased Dad some new pants that look like traditional casual pants but don't have zippers or buttons. There's a "mock fly" so he doesn't feel like he's wearing "old man pants".
Eating has been a little challenging. So far it's been a LOT of sandwiches cut into fours and finger foods. Dad gets frustrated when trying to eat a more traditional meal. It was already challenging enough with his sight, but now that he can't use his left hand to hold bread to push food onto his fork, he's struggling a bit.
I did some online research, but I'm overwhelmed with the amount of adaptive utensils out there. I'm not sure what to get.
So far, my other "must haves" include folding straws, cups with lids (but not the sippy cup looking ones. Dad hates those), and antibacterial hand wipes since Dad has a hard time washing his hands with soap.
Is there a guide or resource out there that would give me some pointers on helping Dad keep as much independence as possible... or a basic shopping list of some sort?
Your father can ABSOLUTELY get OT while on Hospice.
Stick a pencil or two (with bluetac) 1 x behind and one on the left side of where his plate will be. Something to shove against. Cut all into fork size pieces and let him loose. :)
Disclaimer - Fork not needed with soup. :)
Soup dishes with one handle so the last of it can be drunk.
Good luck
I have included some websites that might be helpful.
American Stroke Association: www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/
National Stroke Association: www.stroke.org/
Stroke Rehab: www.stroke-rehab.com/ offers an e-book for $15.00, a Stroke Rehab Blog, Stroke Newsletters, Stroke Forum, and “Ask the Therapist”.
www.strokeaids.com/tips-for-eating-after-a-stroke/
www.stroke-rehab.com/adaptive-equipment.html
I hope that these websites can help you. Keep up the GREAT work that you are doing!
BarbBrooklyn... once again... you're such a rockstar!!! I was really scratching my head trying to figure out how I was going to pay for OT and Hospice.
I plan on making a decision and ordering some adaptive eating utensils this weekend. A soup bowl with a handle... who knew?
Hospice should be fully covered by Medicare; are you paying anything out of pocket for Hospice? I've never heard of that.
Once items stay put then he will have an easier time of it - as to bread to push food on fork is this a new habit or a life long habit because they mean different things - FYI when my son was young his nana gave him a fork set with a 'pusher' which was used much like the bread your dad was using so maybe you can find/adapt a plate with a straight end to push his fork against -
If adapting try gluing a small washable item to 1 side of plate even a plastic box with straight not sloped sides so that you could put 1 item in it like peas so it so that there would be 360 for that but the edge would be available for other items - just insure that it is food safe & that there is a complete seal around so nothing can creep under - however it might not stack well nor be usable in a dishwasher
2. Time is important to regain function.
Plus we use rubbery placemats where dishes don't slide easily. And since they are real dishes without any adaptations, Mom feels like she is still in control and not being treated like a toddler.
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