But the past week she hasn't wanted to drink what now? My mom has had dementia for at least 10 years she has lived with us for 5 years and has been in the nursing home for almost 4 years. The reason she went in the nursing home was due to her falling and poor appetite. She never has been a big eater even when she didn't have dementia. I don't know if it is time to call in hospice or what. I find myself getting frustrated with the not drinking. I came to terms with the not eating. I know i can't make her drink but I just sometimes don't understand the whole process.
I would ask the nurse about Hospice. Only a doctor can place your Mom on Hospice if the doctor examines your Mom's medical records.
Keep us update on what is the next plan.
Definately ask your Dt. to refer her to hospice. They can do comptehensive health check. Would she eat chocakate pudding?Jello? However i believe Hospice should be involved..
The final stages the body can not process food.
PLEASE do not do a feeding tube. The body can not process what is put into it so it will either be vomited up and some possibly aspirated or it can cause a blockage.
IV fluids can also cause problems with the respiratory system as the body has a more difficult time processing liquids.
I have read the in the final stages that dehydration can be more comfortable.
If your Mom is not yet on Hospice make a call and allow them to help you and your Mom through this. She will not be left alone, you will get a break and she will get great care in her final days.
they were not good, we did one round of IV fluids and called in hospice. Calling in hospice was just to give the home the permission to just do palliative care and discontinue unnecessary meds, no mmore blood tests or other poking. Hospice gave no meds, just company.
Mother died on the longest day of this year from Alzheimer's, with no pain and no suffering. It was like blowing out a candle, puff and Mam was gone. It was so beautiful, so serene and I thank God Mother did not suffer. I miss My oldest and dearest Friend, every hour of every day. I wish Your beautiful Mom a very peaceful and painless passing into the next Life, where there will be no more pain or suffering, but peace and joy.
My prayers are with you and your Mom. Calling in hospice won't change the fact that Mom isn't eating or drinking, that is part of the process but please for your Moms sake do nothing artificial. Hospice will keep a check on her and only give her meds. to keep her comfortable, nothing more. I lost my Mom December 2015 and all this is still really fresh and hurts. God Bless you for being there for your Mom
My mom went into long term care weighing 140 pounds. Two years later she was down to 76. At one point, she went for 2 1/2 months without eating any real food. She also stopped drinking the Mighty Shakes. She'd been on a pureed diet for most of the time she was in the nursing home because we were told that she was aspirating. During those 2 1/2 months that she stopped eating, she survived on thickened milk mixed with Carnation Instant Breakfast.
After a lot of soul searching, I made a decision not to have a feeding tube inserted. My decision was made easier when the gastro doctor said that he really didn't want to insert a feeding tube into a 90 year old with Dementia.
Mom's story had a somewhat happy ending. One morning when I was visiting her on my way to work,out of the blue she said "I'm really hungry. Can I get something to eat?" (I thought that I was hallucinating when I heard her say those words).
I'm not sure why she had stopped eating when she stopped, or why she started eating again, but for the next few months she was eating two and three servings of pureed food at every meal. (Of course we had to start slowly when she started to eat again so that she wouldn't get sick)
Best wishes to you and your mom.
My mom also has a dementia for more than five years now and I am a full time care giver ( I am struggling in a great deal) unfortunately my other siblings
Refused to help her whatsoever..
Above Everyone says excellent advices for your
Mother.
Praying for you!!
Please call in hospice. And, as Grandma1954 said, do not go for a feeding tube. That only prolongs this natural phase of the death process and adds to suffering (under the conditions that you describe). It's time for acceptance and help with the process to control any suffering that could occur. That generally means hospice.
Take care of yourself, too,
Carol