A Caregiver Conversation with Gemini (Installment One)

The following is a recount a conversation I had with an AI app called Gemini. Some of you undoubtedly have heard of it. It’s pretty popular. We began on Monday, February 23, 2026. This is a conversation regarding my care for my mom. This first installment is fairly mundane and not really all that interesting but it does give you a glimpse into my day. Other installments get very intense.

I hope that these installments can be a learning experience for some of you reading this.

I used the AI Generated tag on this. But just for clarity my parts of this conversation are not AI generated.

Monday February 23, 2026

Rick: My 89-year-old mom who is in the early advanced stages of dementia is on day six of recovering from non-obstructive diverticulitis. This morning she said her stomach was hurting. But it didn’t seem urgent or anything. Then a few minutes later she says it just feels a little better. Then a few minutes later she says it feels great. So I do have a bit of concern. This morning I want to feed her some scrambled eggs, some Greek yogurt with a little bit of vanilla ice cream mixed in, and some avocado on white bread. Should I be concerned about this food in case her stomach really is causing her problems.

Gemini: It is completely understandable that you're feeling on edge. Managing advanced dementia alongside a physical recovery is a massive challenge because the "reporting" you get from your mom isn't always reliable.

When it comes to diverticulitis recovery, the "better/great/hurting" cycle can be confusing, but the type of food you choose is actually your best tool for keeping her stable.

The "Divertis" Diet Reality Check

While your proposed menu is full of healthy fats and protein, it might be a bit too "heavy" for day six of a flare-up, especially if she just reported pain.

The Avocado & Fiber: Usually, we love avocado, but in the immediate wake of diverticulitis, doctors often recommend a Low-Residue (Low-Fiber) Diet. Even "healthy" fats and fiber can make the colon work harder than it's ready to.

The Dairy: Yogurt and ice cream are soft, but dairy can sometimes cause gas or bloating, which might be the source of that "stomach hurting" she mentioned.

A Safer "Day 6" Menu

If she is still experiencing fluctuating pain, it is often safer to stick to the "white and bland" rule for another day or two to let the inflammation fully subside.

Pro-Tip: If she’s in the "early advanced" stage of dementia, she might be feeling gas or "twinges" and interpreting them as sharp pain. Keeping the portions small and frequent rather than one large meal can help prevent that "hurting" sensation.

When to Pivot to Concern

Since her self-reporting is inconsistent due to the dementia, watch for objective signs rather than just what she says:

The "Touch" Test: If you gently press on her lower left abdomen, does she flinch or pull away?

Temperature: A low-grade fever is the most reliable sign that the infection isn't fully gone.

The "Vitals": Is she more confused than usual? In seniors, increased confusion is often the first sign of physical distress or infection.

Would you like me to put together a simple 3-day "low-residue" meal plan that's easy to prep for her?

Rick: Her temperature is 98.4. I did the touch test and she just sat there still.

Sure help me with a three day plan. Thank you.

Gemini: That temperature is a great sign! 98.4 suggests there likely isn’t an active, raging infection, and the fact that she didn't flinch during the "touch test" is very reassuring. It’s possible her "stomach hurting" was just some minor gas or the sensation of her digestive system waking back up.

Since she’s in a delicate spot—balancing dementia-related sensory changes with a healing colon—this 3-day plan focuses on Low-Residue foods. These are easy to pass and won't "scrub" the inflamed areas of her gut.

Helpful Reminders for Dementia Care

Hydration is King: Sometimes "stomach pain" in seniors is actually mild constipation. Ensure she’s sipping water, apple juice, or broth throughout the day.

Small & Frequent: Instead of three big meals, try five "mini-meals." It’s less taxing on her stomach and easier for her to manage cognitively.

The "Avocado" Return: If she stays pain-free through Day 3, you can reintroduce a small amount of avocado on Day 4.

Rick: Eggs and toast is not enough food for her. I need to feed her at least 350 cal. How about if I add some olive oil to that?

Gemini: That is a smart, practical adjustment. Since she needs the calories and you're dealing with a healing gut, healthy fats are much better than adding fiber or volume.

At 89, especially with dementia, keeping her weight up is a priority. Adding olive oil is an excellent way to "sneak" in calories without making the meal look intimidatingly large or taxing her digestion.

Boosting the Calories (The "Liquid Gold" Method)

One tablespoon of olive oil adds about 120 calories. If you use it strategically, you can easily hit that 350-400 calorie mark with just a few items:

Scrambled Eggs 2 large eggs 140

White Toast 1 slice (with butter) 100

Olive Oil 1 tablespoon (mixed in eggs) 120

Total 360 Calories

Tips for Adding Oil and "Hidden" Calories

Since dementia can sometimes cause sensory sensitivities (changes in how food feels or smells), here is how to add that oil without it being "greasy":

Whisk it In: Don't just cook the eggs in the oil; whisk the tablespoon of olive oil directly into the raw eggs before they hit the pan. It makes them incredibly creamy and hides the "oiliness."

The "Soak" Method: Drizzle the olive oil onto the white toast first, let it soak in, and then put a thin layer of butter or seedless jam over it.

Avocado Alternative: Since you mentioned she likes avocado, you could try 1/4 of a very ripe avocado mashed until completely smooth (no chunks). It’s about 60 calories and, if mashed well, is usually tolerated by Day 6. However, if she’s had pain today, the olive oil is the "safer" fat.

Boost the Yogurt: If she has the yogurt later, you can stir in a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. It's easy to digest and adds about 20–30 quick calories.

Monitoring After the Meal

Keep an eye on her about 30 to 60 minutes after she eats. If she complains of "hurting" then, it's a sign her gallbladder or colon is struggling with the fats, and you should scale back the oil for the next meal. If she's "great" after an hour, you’ve found her sweet spot!

Rick:

How about half of a banana?

Gemini:

Half of a banana is a smart move, but with one specific rule: it must be very ripe (think brown spots on the skin).

At 89, especially with healing diverticulitis, a ripe banana is one of the best "rebound" foods. It’s part of the classic BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) because it’s gentle on the stomach.

Why the Banana Works Now:

Calories: Half a medium banana adds about 50–60 calories.

Potassium: Recovery (and dementia meds) can sometimes mess with electrolyte levels; bananas help stabilize that.

Texture: If it’s ripe, it’s mushy enough that it won't irritate the "pockets" in her colon like a high-fiber vegetable would.

The "High-Calorie" Breakfast Combo

If you combine the banana with the eggs, toast, and olive oil, you’re looking at a powerhouse meal for her:

2 Scrambled Eggs (with 1 tbsp Olive Oil): ~260 calories

1 Slice White Toast (with a little butter): ~100 calories

1/2 Ripe Banana (mashed or sliced thin): ~55 calories

Total: ~415 calories

Pro-Tip for Dementia Care

If she has any trouble swallowing or gets "tired" of chewing (common in advanced stages), you can mash the banana directly into the Greek yogurt you mentioned earlier. It creates a high-calorie pudding that’s very easy for her to eat without much effort.

Since we've got breakfast covered, would you like me to tweak the Lunch and Dinner ideas from the 3-day plan to hit that 350-400 calorie goal too?

Rick: How does this banana look?

Gemini: That banana looks perfect for her right now.

The "spotting" on the peel is exactly what you want to see for someone recovering from diverticulitis. Those brown spots indicate that the starches have converted into simple sugars, making it much softer and significantly easier for her colon to digest compared to a solid yellow or green-tipped banana.

Why this specific banana is a win:

Low Residue: It’s at the stage where it won't cause much gas or "scrub" the healing areas of her gut.

Easy to Mash: Given her dementia, you can easily mash this into her yogurt or even just fork-mash it onto her toast to make it a safer texture for swallowing.

High Calorie Density: A banana at this stage of ripeness provides a quick energy boost without filling her up with indigestible bulk.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

With Love, RHC ❤️