My 90 yo Dad has dementia that prevents him from understanding much of what he sees and feels. Recently he had a dental bridge removed. This resulted in teeth missing upper and lower in such a way that there are no opposing teeth for chewing - the teeth he has sink into holes where there are no teeth. Not sure why this is so since he still has quite a few teeth - maybe because it is his molars mostly? I haven't opened his mouth to look, I am only there every few months. He gets: not mush; but softer foods, like meatloafs, etc., good foods, but nothing that requires concerted chewing, like beef.
Still it takes him a long time to chew, since he was always a health food nut who liked to chew his food completely. No one will consider a replacement bridge - partly because he is in palliative care, and partly because there is no way to get anyone to help him brush his teeth where he lives at the VA. They help him stay clean etc., but daily teeth is I guess too much to ask. Can you think of anything temporary to help him chew? would they ever make a temporary bridge that might be put in prior to eating and taken out and washed when done?
This is something that the daily caregivers wouldn't do, but we visit at least twice a week, and maybe he would appreciate a good eat now and again. (Daily visits from family are impossible, it's an hour drive each way.)
I suppose many will say this is a stupid question. You don't need to say anything unless you can help. Thanks.
Anyhoooo... I'm still stuck on there being no way to get your father assistance with brushing his teeth. This is such a basic aspect of personal care that I don't understand why not?
I suppose part of me is also thinking that if I had to clean my mother's partial denture, I don't see why your father's caregivers should get away with it..!
Is there a dental hygienist school in the area of the VA where your father is living? If so maybe you could source a student to assist or perform a daily cleaning as part of their required clinic work/hours?