When it comes to dementia, at the DC we’re always trying to think of new ways to help and foster as much independence to a person with dementia as possible. Let life be as great as it can be and let’s live well with dementia.
As eating and drinking may become difficult over time and a person progresses into late-stage dementia, drinking aids may well be required. We’ve talked before about the Eatwell set. But what if spilling is becoming more commonplace? Finding a cup you can fully tip upside down and allow to fall to the floor without spilling a drop may be a stretch, no?
No…Behold!: The Kennedy Cup. Spill proof and can be used in conjunction with Pat Saunders One Way Drinking Straws, making it easier than ever to drink alone and also we might add, to drink. Many illnesses and hospital stays can be attributed to not drinking enough. Recently my Mother was admitted to hospital with Sepsis (blood poisoning) from having had a urine infection that went unnoticed. Urine infections can happen of course and if one has a catheter, this can occur but drinking regularly to flush out toxins does help and can prevent urine infections in most cases.
Image Credit: NRS Healthcare
Cranberry juice is great for most water-related infections. We are advised as adults to drink 2 litres per day of water but if you don’t like water, juice or flavoured water is better than nothing at all! For someone who doesn’t move around as much and who could be bed-bound, 1 litre may suffice (always ask your GP). The Kennedy Cup holds around 90ml. With a 1,000ml in a litre, around 11 cups of juice per day in the Kennedy Cup would see you reaching your goal of 1L. Seems a lot doesn’t it? It really isn’t if you space it out over 8 hours.
I bought the Kennedy Cup and Pat Saunders One Way Drinking Straws for my Mother who is in late stage dementia and one of her carers told me recently: That cup is the best thing ever!
You can purchase the Kennedy Cup and Pat Saunders One Way Drinking Straws by clicking here for the cup and here for the straws.
For those who may want to drink without having to wait or ask there is also: The Hydrant Bottle. We would always advise any carer to be careful not to present a choking hazard if used unaccompanied.
Image Credit: NRS Healthcare
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[…] do that, instead, I’d actually have to wait until someone filled up my cup and then placed the straw between my lips. No wonder dementia patients are six times more likely to become dehydrated! […]