CAroline:

I have had several people like Terri and I have had Alzheimer clients also.

And something I have discovered is that they are not at all alike.

Not once you get to know them. Obviously anyone who has a feeding tube has a swallowing disorder. And it goes without saying you can not be trying to force feed them..but some people seem to retain more function than others even if they are considered to be in a persistant vegetative state. But you have to know that patient. And in all the years I was with him I never caused him harm. And besides his mother was his primary caregiver and she pretty much knew what to do. She was great with him.

Now I had Alzheimer patients who seemed as or even more oblivious to their surroundings and yet they could eat without chocking.