The person puts non-food items in their mouth. What should I do?

My grandmother, who is in an advanced stage, has started putting non-food items in her mouth – napkins, flowers, small objects. I'm afraid she might choke or eat something dangerous. What can I do?

This behaviour is frightening and requires constant vigilance, which is very tiring. Your fear that something might happen is completely understandable and shows how attentive you are.

Why it happens

In advanced stages, the person may lose the ability to distinguish what is food from what is not. They may put objects in their mouth out of exploration, hunger, or habit, without perceiving the danger. Sometimes there is real, uncommunicated hunger, thirst, or discomfort in the mouth (dentures, pain). The main risks are choking and poisoning.

Practical strategies

• Remove small objects, toxic plants, cleaning products, and small decorations from reach.
• Have safe, easy-to-eat finger foods available and visible.
• Offer regular meals and liquids to reduce hunger.
• Provide something safe for their hands to manipulate (fabric, sensory stimulation object).
• Maintain supervision during meals and check their mouth/dentures.

What NOT to do

• Do not scold or try to pull objects out abruptly – this can cause choking.
• Do not leave batteries, medicines, or dangerous products within reach.

When to seek professional help

If they swallow something dangerous, immediately call NHS 111 or the Poisons Information Centre. In case of choking with asphyxiation, call 999. Speak to the doctor to assess oral pain or dysphagia.

"I started keeping small pieces of fruit handy. When I see her putting something in her mouth, I quickly swap it for real food." — Anonymous Carer