Food and drink

Often it is difficult to ensure people with Alzheimer's do note stand drink properly. George has been having difficulty using cutlery for a couple of years now. He now only uses a spoon and needs to have food cut up. Unfortunately he often has difficulty getting food on the spoon. He makes moves as though that is what he is doing but no food is on the spoon. He then 'eats' that food and is quite sure he has eaten his tea/dinner. I have tried to feed him but this proves difficult to as he rolls his tongue so no food goes in - passive/aggressive? He is actually reluctant to eat and is now down to 66kgs. As he is 6 foot 2 inches this is certainly underweight.

I take him plenty of sweet things for him to have, for example chocolate milkshakes which he loves but he also needs a good balanced diet as well. He is also sleeping a lot.

Today, when I went, he was sound asleep. He heard me mention the Rugby museum to someone! His eyes opened and we were able to have quite a chat. He knew who I was but now has little memory of others. We are wondering if things at the moment are due to the Shingles which he has just over.

I have now moved into the flat which is now my permanent home. So far have just got the essentials and will gradually go through the rest of the stuff - there are five garages full. George has been a hoarder all his life plus stuff belonged to other family members. It is quite overwhelming if I think about it too much.

I am still having a nurse in every second day to change my leg dressing. The leg swells a lot each day but I guess I am not resting... It is healing well however and there has been no infection.