Mother in Law cant cope at home anymore....Help!!

margaretclare

Comments about nutrition in hospitals apply across-the-board. Was talking with my daughter about this yesterday afternoon - she's looking at more hip surgery in the near future and, for a number of reasons, is not looking forward to the experience.

When she was in Wrightington Hospital in 1995 she tells of appalling experiences with the food. I've recently read of a woman who went into a maternity unit, had a C-section, someone brought her a bowl of soup but no spoon. By the time the spoon arrived the soup had been taken away because it was cold.

One thing you get little of in hospital is fresh fruit. M&S do sliced pineapple, melon, those kind of things, convenient to take in and feed to her. My daughter has asked for this when she goes in, also, she requests sushi snacks, which apparently M&S also do. Often, small tasty nourishing snacks are better than a big meal. Fruit smoothies are nice and refreshing.

I have to be admitted to hospital this morning for surgery tomorrow, hopefully will be back later for a night at home. I've requested vegetarian - reason: I only eat meat when I'm certain where it has come from (we go to a local butcher) because I don't want to eat halal without knowing it.

With your MIL and her urinary tract infection, I would worry more about her fluid intake. Human beings can survive for weeks without food, but only for a matter of days without water.

Apparently there's a TV programme on this morning about hospital food.

Margaret

Savvy_Sue

Dad was in hospital recently, and visiting hours were from 2-8 pm. Then when I arrived at 4.45 pm there was a sign advising visitors that the evening meal would be served between 5 and 6 pm and we would be asked to leave then. Which I do think they should have told us in advance, because effectively visiting hours were 2-5 and 6-8 pm.

Anyway, Dad was clearly compos mentis and capable of feeding himself, so when they asked me to leave I popped out for a coffee - I had the option of going to the dayroom but no coffee there! Had I been in any doubt about his capacity, I would not have left at all. And I came back before 6 pm: I wouldn't want to sit and watch him eat, but I couldn't see any reason to stay away a whole hour!

He always enjoys hospital food, which I can't quite understand!

do_it_today!

Thanks everyone - MIL does usually have a glass of water by her table as she has to take tablets but my DH is always telling her to drink more water as he is concerned that she is not! MIL is able to feed herself and does seem to be eating in hospital. Excellent idea MargaretClare re the cut fruit I will take some with soup and yogurts too! Sushi would be a step too far!
No clear diagnosis given yet but they are going to carry out full tests and assessment incl SS.

thanks everyone :hello:

glenstan

Everytime our d mother was admitted to hospital during last year of her life, we would ask, "could a member of family come in at mealtimes to make sure mum was eating and drinking enough", our request was never denied, it was always welcomed, we were always able to "persuade" mum to eat more. Fact is when nurse asks patient do they want to eat something, if they say no , they (nurses) are not allowed to repeatedly ask them to do so .

glenstan

Do not apoligise for deviating from thread. The truth is, our mother could not lift a spoon, but seeing the number of nurses, working on the ward with so many elderly people , we realized that never in a hundred years, would they be able to supervise each patient at meal times. This is when we would ask for permission to ensure mother was eating enough. we did this for our own peace of mind. The disgrace lies with the goverment of the day , expecting wards to be run by fewer and fewer qualified nurses, and the patients to become catogorized rather than individuals.

do_it_today!

glenstan wrote: »

Do not apoligise for deviating from thread. The truth is, our mother could not lift a spoon, but seeing the number of nurses, working on the ward with so many elderly people , we realized that never in a hundred years, would they be able to supervise each patient at meal times. This is when we would ask for permission to ensure mother was eating enough. we did this for our own peace of mind. The disgrace lies with the goverment of the day , expecting wards to be run by fewer and fewer qualified nurses, and the patients to become catogorized rather than individuals.

I agree the nurses and all medical staff are under severe pressure...
Visited MIL today and she is definitely improving we took her some cut up pineapple and melon which she tucked into and she is constantly topping up her cup and working through her jug of water which is great so we shall see!

do_it_today!

Hi :hello:

Just to let you know My Mother in Law died last night...
she managed to come out of hospital just after christmas and go to a residential home for rehab treatment to prepare her to return to her home with a full care package - she was making really good progress but then took ill and was back in hospital last week.
I last saw her on thursday - and seemed like she was making some recovery but passed away in her sleep yesterday (heart failiure) we are all gutted thank you for your help at least she will be at rest now.....

dmg24

So sorry for your news x

noonesperfect

I'm truly sorry to hear your sad news. ((((((((((hugs))))))))) to you and your family xx.

Js_Other_Half

So sorry to hear your bad news.