Hard to watch bad decisions

That sounds like a hard situation @Bea, but you did the right thing by calling the poisons line. Are you able to help cook (or prepare) some healthy alternatives for them so they don't rely solely on sugar?

Hi @Bea

Our stories are different - each having their own set of difficulties - another thing to keep an eye out for *sighs

We had a situation when visiting my BIL noticed he was taking too much supermarket purchased pain relief, completely unaware that they can cause side effects. I helped him manage by alternating classes of meds at specific time intervals which made a difference and fortunately his headaches resolved. His was a case of ignorance and he was amenable to listening.

In relation to eating, all we can do is lead by example, cook healthy meals and have things like fruit and veg available for snacking. As we began to eat healthier, Mr D found that a healthier diet made a difference and started making healthy choices himself. (I insisted on having more fibre as Mr D's meds caused constipation ... yikes).

It is so frustrating though when faced with these price differences:

That can be hard @Bea, especially when we're faced with the price difference like in the image that @Former-Member provided. Maybe trying to influence smaller changes will help in the longer run, so swap one meal for something healthier, or to swap out soft drink for water (or sweetened ice tea).

That is a hard situation @Bea, and it sounds like you've tried multiple angles. Hopefully the OT will have a positive influence and you might see some change.

@Bea

It is a difficult situation. Functioning with Sz varies considerably and independent living for some can only be achieved with a high level of support. Depending on care plan NDIS allows for someone to come and help with menu planning, shopping and cooking which might be worth consideration.

Thanks @Ali11 & @Former-Member for your support. I had a new thought yesterday to take a slightly different tack. OT due for f/up visit next week so good time to keep at it.

To the OT: Only other thing I could mention... maybe is about diet advice, referal to Dietician? If she continues her current (unhealthy) diet & is unwilling to change, would suppliment drinks (like my Mum has) be beneficial? Be better to eat healthier of but at least try to avoid vitamin deficiencies.

Great idea @Former-Member about home help for shopping list/cooking. The carer is supposed to help with the shopping list now, but very hard for them... if client wants to add icecream, they have no authority to say no.

My wonderful practical 86 year old Aunt sumed up her whole situation (more than just the diet, meds, other issues): if she can't take care of herself, she needs to live where she is looked after.

That's it - the problem & the solution.

I will continue appliying the 'bandaids' of trying out Dietician, vit supps & more home help - as I am trying to advocate for her best interests. But I am pretty close to researching contacting Social Services... (may look for a thread now...) to see what who would quality for being in need/self neglect etc.

Sounds like you've put together a plan @Bea, trying to find a dietician and home help is a good place to start and then see if you can reach out for further assistance if you need more support. How are you holding up?