Medical advise for elderly neighbour?

Question

My neighbour is 80 and is a diabetic unfortunately he has recently had a stroke and the family are struggling getting him to eat or drink anything. It very hot here dehydration is a bit of a worry.

Do you know of any protein drinks that would be suitable for diabetic? The doctor suggested getting him to eat eggs hiss medical notes say avoid eggs because of cholesterol levels!!!!

I was wondering of yogurt type drinks you can bye would be safe diabetics?

Answer 1

Try Fortisip,Sustagen or Nutrisson,they are packed with vitamins and minerals and excellent food source when dietary intake is reduced for whatever reason.The diabetics have them where i work.At 80 i wouldn't be too worried about his cholesterol levels,anyway look at body builders,they eat a lot of eggs and they have no problems with high cholesteol.Some ppl go ott with the elderly and restricting their foods.Egg whites don't contain cholesterol so can be used without worry .The family may need to consult a dietician about foods that are suitable.Some stroke victims have swallowing problems and a soft diet may be warranted,a dietician will be a good place to start,if he is losing weight a peg tube may be inseted into his stomach so that liquid food can be administered.He needs to keep nutrition up as this will impact on his diabetes e.g hypoglycaemia.Find out what his likes and dislikes are and cater to these.Small frequent meals may also help.A thickener may be useful if he is having trouble swallowing.Depression post stroke is common,this may be why he has reduced appetite,discuss with the family,you sound like a nice neighbour.

Answer 2

There is "Complan" which you can buy in tins/packets from the chemist.  It's often used in Care Homes when residents are only able to take liquids.  Comes in several flavours.