My Dad has started messing with all his food (2024)

I think this can be a common problem with people who have dementia. You might find this link of some help -

When my husband began to be confused about food his care home provided finger food which he ate without mess while one of the carers fed him the rest.

My husband was diabetic too and I was really impressed with the way they managed difficult feeding times.

I don’t know if this would work with your dad @Redhed36

Grannie G said:

When my husband began to be confused about food his care home provided finger food which he ate without mess while one of the carers fed him the rest.

My husband was diabetic too and I was really impressed with the way they managed difficult feeding times.

I don’t know if this would work with your dad @Redhed36

Click to expand...

I don’t think he is at the stage yet where I need to start feeding him as I don’t want to take that away from him, the finger food is a good idea so thank you ☺️

Izzy said:

I think this can be a common problem with people who have dementia. You might find this link of some help -

Eating and drinking

People with dementia often experience problems with eating and drinking, but there are ways to help manage these.

www.alzheimers.org.uk

Click to expand...

That’s very helpful, thank you, I might try just a spoon as he is currently using the prongs of the fork to mash everything.

Yes it is a spork! It’s mentioned here (but I got ours from SALT) -

You might also find this useful -

Izzy said:

I got help from the Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) department for my husband was given a special cup for drinking and an implement with was a mixture of a fork and a spoon (I think it’s a spork!). He didn’t actually need them but they were there just in case.

Click to expand...

Oh wow that’s a good idea, I think the 2 implements add to the confusion

@Redhed36 My Patsy cannot cope if there is a large quantity of food on her plate, but I was also given the tip of the benefits of finger food.
My take on this is to give her an empty plate and her food items in small bowls or plates (depending on the type of meal we are having) in the centre of the table. I also put the cutlery with the food being presented. IE casseroles in a jug with spoon, potatoes in a bowl with a fork and so on.
This gives her choice and if she wants to eat directly from the serving dish then so be it and using the cutlery as needed or fingers of course 😁

I dish my own complete meal as normal and as I start she will follow or mimic.

It is all a case of trial and sometimes messy error 😕

My Patsy doesn't have diabetes so food choice or ultimate intake is not a problem for her or I.

May work for you or may not.

Colin, As always wearing his apron and his hands in the sink. 😂😂

colpatben said:

@Redhed36 My Patsy cannot cope if there is a large quantity of food on her plate, but I was also given the tip of the benefits of finger food.
My take on this is to give her an empty plate and her food items in small bowls or plates (depending on the type of meal we are having) in the centre of the table. I also put the cutlery with the food being presented. IE casseroles in a jug with spoon, potatoes in a bowl with a fork and so on.
This gives her choice and if she wants to eat directly from the serving dish then so be it and using the cutlery as needed or fingers of course 😁

I dish my own complete meal as normal and as I start she will follow or mimic.

It is all a case of trial and sometimes messy error 😕

My Patsy doesn't have diabetes so food choice or ultimate intake is not a problem for her or I.

May work for you or may not.

Colin, As always wearing his apron and his hands in the sink. 😂😂

Click to expand...

Fabulous tips, thank you ☺️