Mom would wash her hands for ages if I wasn't there. Same with brushing her teeth and rinsing her mouth.
Another thing. She always wants to leave some of her food or she asks if we want some even though we have our own food. Today she wrapped half her sandwich in a napkin. Told her we don't keep leftovers, she had to eat it. She always says, I thought someone else would like it.
And what do you mean she had to eat it? Are you controlling the portions she has to eat? Do you mean eat it now or we'll throw it away? Or that she has to eat it now?
I like Jessie's approach. If it isn't harmful, don't make a fuss about it.
Non threatening little habits mean something to them AT THE MOMENT. Will be forgotten.
Out of sight, out of mind.
I am learning!!! !!! !!! !!!
:^)
M88
With regard to eating, please understand that elders often eat small portions and do just fine in terms of maintaining their weight. Don't force her to eat a whole sandwich if it doesn't suit her. Jessie is right, if it's not hurting her, don't try not to let it bother you.
I don't know a single person over the age of 80 who doesn't take home a roll or a piece of bread from restaurants, senior centers and buffets. It's a generational thing.
I asked her if she ate the special blueberry muffin I left for her breakfast
and she said no, she was waiting for me to share it with her.
She hides cans of soup in her bedroom.
When she gets something in her mind, it is stuck.
When she eats, she always leaves a couple of bites of food on her plate. When we go to a restaurant she always gets a bread, then wraps it up to bring home to enjoy later. I always throw it in the garbage in a couple of days. The behaviors are always the same, but I can't get her to change them. Most of them are not harmful, though, so I don't worry. The blankets on the floor is the main one that bothers me.
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