Thanks for all the ideas...I just didn't want to offend my mom and make her feel like a child by asking her If I could cut her meat. But putting it in such a way as to ask her if it would make it easier for her if I cut her meat sounds appropriate. I'll try that!
I agree - offer to help. But if she says no, let it go until the next time. The first time this came up with my mom, I thought she would be offended by the offer. Instead, she seemed relieved.
I actually wish my mom would stop using knives. We have to find a place to put them that she can't get to. She won't / can't cut her meat, but she'll cut up other things that don't even need a sharp knife. My brother even caught her using a steak knife to scoop peanut butter out of a jar - and then licking it off the knife!!
Well, seriously, if she has Alz and is in an ALF, then it's understood that she needs help in a lot of things. Why not suggest ,"When we go out, it would make it easier if I cut up your meat for you"
I've reached the point with my grandmother where I just automatically reach over and cut up the difficult items. No words required.
That seems like the right move for you if you can get her to cooperate.
The disease has stages and you should expect to see what likely you have not seen before. Let it be a challenge for you to counter your mother's actions with your creativity to help her with the disease and frankly to lighten "your day" just a bit. Creatively speaking what about providing 2 spoons and eliminating the need to have to use a knife. It might be helpful to others if you document your challenges and your approach to conquer the challenges. You are not alone. There will be change.
It's a bit awkward when we go out to dinner and my mom has two forks in her hand. One she's uses to eat and the other she uses as a knife, at the same time. I guess my question is, should I offer to cut her meat?
I'll try that!
I actually wish my mom would stop using knives. We have to find a place to put them that she can't get to. She won't / can't cut her meat, but she'll cut up other things that don't even need a sharp knife. My brother even caught her using a steak knife to scoop peanut butter out of a jar - and then licking it off the knife!!
I've reached the point with my grandmother where I just automatically reach over and cut up the difficult items. No words required.
That seems like the right move for you if you can get her to cooperate.
I guess my question is, should I offer to cut her meat?
Medically this is not considered serious until it reaches the fork--for-the soup stage.