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If patient is not able to sit upright, is hand feeding them safe? And, does this increase risk of aspiration pneumonia?

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Thanks for the info. She is on Hospice and the MC staff feed her. I have stopped, because, I'm afraid to. I don't want to feed her and then her start choking or coughing. I think I'll just leave it up to them from now on.

The staff tells me that she still has good appetite......it's just...I don't know. I'm not sure how. It's so disconcerting.
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Grandma1954 Aug 2019
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You raise the head of the bed. Also raise the foot of the bed so they do not slide to the bottom of the bed. Very easy if there is a Hospital bed.
When a person is at this stage the food that is generally eaten is pureed and if necessary thickened so that will prevent or at least minimize aspiration.
If you notice the food is not going down well you stop and try to clear the mouth with swabs NEVER your fingers.
You can also place the person on their side if they begin to choke or cough. This will help keep the airway clear.
Small amounts of food over a long period of time.
If you have Hospice they will help you get used to this type of process.
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