Geriatric Cup Feeder and Method of Use

Abstract

The invention relates to a geriatric feeding cup for feeding liquid to an elderly person, including a cup adapted to receive the liquid, a lid and a spout made of a soft pliable material fitted to the cup. In use, the geriatric feeding cup enables the search reflex, the suck reflex and the swallow reflex to be stimulated in the elderly person so that they can be fed the liquid in a more effective and safe manner. The invention also relates to a method of use of the geriatric feeding cup whereby the search reflex, the suck reflex and the swallow reflex are stimulated to feed the person.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 978,670 filed Sep. 16, 2013, which is a 35 U.S.C. 371 national phase application of PCT / AU2011 / 001621 filed Dec. 16, 2011, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application No. 61 / 430,830 filed Jan. 7, 2011, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a geriatric cup feeder and in particular to a geriatric cup feeder including a soft disposable spout. The invention also relates to a method of use of geriatric cup feeder.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The invention relates to treatment of geriatric patients and in particular to treatment of patients with dementia. It is envisaged that there may be other applications of the invention and the invention may be used for any suitable application. For example, the invention may be applicable for patients with significant bra...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]wherein, use of the geriatric feeding cup enables the search reflex, the suck reflex and the swallow reflex to be stimulated in the elderly person by touching the tip of the spout repeatedly on the corner of the mouth of the elderly person to stimulate the search reflex and once stimulated moving the tip of the spout backwards and forwards on the tongue to stimulate the suck reflex and depositing liquid on the posterior aspect of the tongue to stimulate the swallow reflex so that the elderly person can be fed the liquid in a more effective and safe manner.

[0027]Preferably, once the search reflex has been activated the tip of the spout can be introduced through the teeth of the person and placed on the tongue. Preferably, the carer tips the geriatric feeding cup to a suitable angle. Preferably, the tip of the spout is gently moved forwards and backwards on the tongue to stimulate the suck reflex. Preferably, once the suck reflex is activated food can be introduced on to the posterior aspect of the tongue in a controlled way. The food is introduced by the patient sucking on the spout and deposited on the posterior aspect of the tongue, stimulating the swallow reflex. Preferably, use of the search reflex, suck reflex and swallow reflex enables an elderly patient to feed easily and safely with optimal airway protection in place.

[0028]Preferably, use of the geriatric feeding cup facilitates testing the consistency of liquid food. If, on tipping the cup the liquid food does not run out of the spout and on gently milking the spout the liquid food flows the carer can be reassured that the consistency of the liquid food is suitable. Preferably, use of the invention avoids the need for specific testing of the thickness of the liquid for suitability, the carer can determine that the thickness of the liquid is suitable themselves.

[0030]Preferably, the cup is tipped gently forward to assist feeding and to minimise introduction of air as the patient sucks. The patient may be given regular breaks from sucking to rest and breathe normally.

Problems solved by technology

A common problem with people as they become elderly is that the urge to eat and drink lessens.

Elderly people often suffer from dehydration through drinking insufficient water, exacerbated if there is a concern about incontinence.

As dementia develops the problems of feeding and hydrating the person worsens.

The problem with feeding the elderly with dementia and especially end-stage dementia is the risk of aspirating and choking on the food.

In advanced dementia the elderly also tend to clench their teeth and spit out food that is introduced between their lips, much to the frustration of the carer.

If the carer cannot get the elderly person to stop clenching their teeth and spitting out of the food the elderly person will not get sufficient food or liquid.

Insufficient food and water leads to malnutrition, dehydration and eventually starvation unless intervention is undertaken.

However, the risk is still present as a poorly controlled volume of food is introduced to the patient who has an impaired eating and swallowing mechanism and so may choke.

As a patient enters the advanced stages of dementia, the problem of feeding becomes more and more difficult.

Introducing hard utensils into the mouth of the patient and past the clenched teeth induced by the hard utensil become very difficult.

In this way feeding the patient a liquid diet by use of spoon or the hard spout of a modified cup becomes impossible.

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