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Input needed



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Mar 29, 2007 03:39 PM

Input needed

by Lpn1997

First off, let me say that this question if of a personal nature as it has to do with my Grandmother who is 80 years old and has Alzheimers. She is in a LTC facility but not in the Alzheimers unit. She is at the point that she no longer walks or talks, and the only response that she gives is an occasional laugh. Up until now she has been a great eater. However, in the last week she has not been eating at all...kinda like she doesnt know how to maneuver the pureed food in her mouth. So the speech therapist (not an employee of the facility, but one contracted by the facility)started working with her and decided to try syringe feeding since she determined that her swallowing ability is just fine. The syringe feeding went wonderful and the ST drew up an order for the MD to sign to continue the syringe feeding. All of a sudden, the LTC administrator contacts my mother (the POA for my grandmother) and tells her that syringe feeding is not allowed in their facility and the only option is for a feeding tube (which will never be utilized due to the living will already in place). My mother explained that my grandmother has not given up eating, she just has lost the ability to get the food to the back of her mouth to swallow. They are still refusing to syringe feed. I have never worked in LTC (I'm an LPN) so I'm not sure if this is a common problem so I thought I would check here. Is this not a form of neglect? My grandmother is 100% healthy otherwise, no hypertension, diabetes, etc. The only health problem she has ever had is a small skin cancer removed from her nose. Alzheimers is a terrible disease and I know there will be a point when she does lose her ability to swallow, but until then isn't there a responsibility to feed her as long as she is able? Thanks for any input.


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15 Comments
No. 1
Old Mar 29, 2007, 04:15 PM

Default Re: Input needed
Have your grandmother transferred to another nursing home where syringe feedings are a permitted part of the facility protocol.
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No. 2
from nckdl
Old Mar 29, 2007, 05:46 PM

Default Re: Input needed
I agree, transfer her to another facility. I currently work in an Alzheimers unit as a lpn and even though it is a terrible disease she sounds like she still can eat by mouth. Good Luck
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No. 3
from GingerSue
Old Mar 29, 2007, 07:04 PM

Default Re: Input needed
is there anything that could by substituted for the syringe,
that would accomplish the same thing?
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No. 4
from tridil2000
Old Mar 29, 2007, 09:45 PM

Default Re: Input needed
Originally Posted by GingerSue View Post
is there anything that could by substituted for the syringe,
that would accomplish the same thing?
a straw?
can she still drink?

what's the difference in drinking the tube feed than placing it into the peg tube?

pt has CONTROL.
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No. 5
from caliotter3
Old Mar 29, 2007, 09:52 PM

Default Re: Input needed
If you can find another facility I would have her transferred. The attitude displayed by the administration at the facility where she is currently residing does not bode well for her to be treated with optimum respect. She should go somewhere where her abilities and requests are respected. They are trying to turn her into a complete invalid for the purposes of staff convenience. She deserves better.
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No. 6
from fultzymom
Old Mar 30, 2007, 07:53 AM

Default Re: Input needed
We do not do syringe feeding at my facility either (not sure why it has never been done since before I started). If you feel this is what is required for her to keep her off the TF, I would research other facilities et get her moved to a facility that would be able to support her needs. This is true for any need that she may have.
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No. 7
Old Mar 30, 2007, 03:56 PM

Default Re: Input needed
I have worked in at least 6 facilities and at no time in none of them was syringe feeding allowed. It is looked upon as demeaning and certainly could contribute to aspiration.
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No. 8
from nightmare
Old Mar 30, 2007, 05:15 PM

Default Re: Input needed
We used to use syringes but not now.The theory is that an untrained carer may syringe too fast and cause choking.
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No. 9
from meintheUSA
Old Dec 03, 2008, 06:30 PM

Default Re: Input needed
I work with a resident in an Alzheimer faculity. She has lost the thinking pattern of eating. I am hired by family to sit with her and see that she consumes her daily need of food/fluids. Her food is pureed, and I must remind her to swallow after each bite. I have learned to encourage her to try a bite with more flavor, another bite of something different, and carry a normal conversation with her. She has just "forgotten" to chew and swallow. Our help is working, she is not on thickened liquids yet, and still enjoys her meals. Most of the time I assist with feeding her because she forgot how to use utensils. She also tires easy. This is a real joy for us, as we have become great friends.
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