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WillyB Asked May 2020

Mom has dementia and more difficulty swallowing. What cold cereal might be good for her to swallow?

She has always eaten Cheerios but they're getting more difficult to swallow. Does not like oatmeal or farina. Likes sweet so maybe something like Frosted Flakes?

AlvaDeer May 2020
I think the answer is to let things soak in milk long enough to be a bit softened, but do ask a dietician or a speech therapist (they are often the ones who do the swallow tests) and ask for help with diet in general. This is so dangerous because often comes down to swallowing into the lung, aspiration pneumonia and such problems. Sorry you are having to deal with this.

gemswinner12 May 2020
Protein shake, thickened according to speech therapy swallow evaluation.

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Isthisrealyreal May 2020
Have you tried Mom's toasted oat cereal? If you leave it for awhile it will get soft and it is a healthier version of cheerios.

Will mom eat cream of wheat? You can sweeten it to her liking and mix it up for variety. You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate so it is cold, you would just add milk and have a cold porridge ready when she is.

Adding nut butters is a good way to get protein in her and it blends in well.

BarbBrooklyn May 2020
Then you need to contact the hospice nurse and ask her what you can safely feed your mother. If they cant tell you, then they are responsible for overriding their rules and getting her an evaluation.

Rules were made to be broken. Always ask.

WillyB May 2020
Mom is under Hospice Care and home with me. Once with Hospice they don't do any "extra medical treatment" or tests. The main theme of Hospice or philosophy is "keep person comfortable".

JoAnn29 May 2020
If she can't eat Cheerios, I doubt if there is much she can eat. Frosted flakes will stick to the inside of her throat. Oatmeal probably wouldn't be good either unless thinned down a lot. I agree with Barb, she needs a swallow study. This is common in people who suffer from Dementia. In the meantime call her PCP and ask what foods you can give her.

BarbBrooklyn May 2020
WillyB; has mom had a swallow study by a speech therapist?

If not, please ask her doctor to order one; the speech therapist can then advise you about the kinds and textures of foods that your mom can safely eat.

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