work for an Adult day care program, that provides day care services to people suffering from Alzheimer's Disease and other types of dementia. This allows people to remain in their homes with families and loved ones as opposed to being put into a Nursing home etc. Some of the people we serve are observant Jews who's family will send in a lunch meal for them so that they will have a kosher meal. Because of their mental decline, at times A Jewish participant will become upset if they see others eating a food item that they enjoy from the lunch provided by the program. Although none of the staff would never advocate violating Jewish Dietary law, are their any provisions in Jewish law that might allow for the easing of suffering in this type of situation by allowing some relaxation of the laws of kasruit? Although this might seem to be a minor issue, both myself and the righteous gentles with whom I work have seen people become very upset over this due to their struggle with the effects of Alzheimer's. Also, at times their is some resistance to personal care needs being provided by the opposite gender.
I have asked My Rabbi and others about this and gotten conflicting responses. Does anyone know of any sources that would be of use with these issues.
Thank you