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Brenda 15th Nov 2017 Leisure And Lifestyle Coordinator
Hi all I have popped in to gather your knowledge! I have a dementia resident who is in a 'cloud chair', no teeth and continually chews the inside of her mouth, fingers or on clothing/bedding. I would like to think that something like a child's teething ring could help her but obviously that would be too small. Any ideas from you appreciated! She has no discomfort by chewing/gumming the side of her mouth and eats food fine.
Susan 16th Nov 2017 Activity Director
I am wondering if she is not hurting herself or anyone else do you really have to do anything ?
The only thing I can think of is to give her a lollipop that is large but it might make a math could also give her a popsicle but I don't know of any adult items that they could keep in their mouth that would not be childlike
Solange 16th Nov 2017 Diversional Therapist
Hi Brenda, Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done. If her chewing is hurting her mouth, a doctor may prescribe a sedative. You could try a baby natural rubber soother, the teething ring that babies hold in their hands to alleviate gum discomfort (nothing too small that the client may gag or swallow). All the best.
Susan 17th Nov 2017 Activity Director
Brenda I had another thought
Have someone from the speech therapy department evaluate her because there may be something they can do
I seem to remember lemon flavored things possibly helping out but a therapist needs to be involved
Pauline 21st Nov 2017 Activities Coordinator
There are large chew toys that are used by children with autism. These might help.
Alex 27th Nov 2017 Occupational Therapist
The idea that Pauline suggested worked for us with a lady that always chewed her fingers and her clothes. Just make sure that you get the good firm ones and keep them clean and check on the integrity of them after a few days.
Kaitlyn 28th Nov 2017 Diversional Therapist
https://www.ebay.com.au/i/232144308660?chn=ps&dispctrl=1
Maybe something like this could work.
Brenda 6th Jan 2018 Leisure And Lifestyle Coordinator
Hi everyone to my e thank you so much for your valuable input to my question. I have since been on the therapy website and we are trying the Boli ball for her and this has been given the go ahead by the manager and physio. I am hoping that this will be a good start for my resident than putting blankets, sheets etc in her mouth.
Again my thanks and look forward to chatting again soon
Brenda

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