We took her to emergency, but she still can't swallow and barely drinks. Can anyone help me, give advice on what to do. Should we put a feeding tube? She is 84 years old. My Mom was very independent woman. We never talked about this decision. Does the feeding tube work? How long could she live with a feeding tube? Can please someone help me out.
I think that hospice should be called in to help you understand what end of life looks like and help you determine if she is there.
I am sorry you are having to make these decisions. I personally don't want to be kept alive when my life is over. Sitting in a shell, unable to communicate or participate in life is not living in my opinion.
You will make the right decision for her, truly trust yourself and don't second guess when you make a decision. Hugs!
She can live for quite a while with one. there is a possibility if she has dementia as well that she will pull it out.
As she declines her body will no longer process food and with a feeding tube you will not get the cues that she no longer requires food, so continuing to give food may cause more problems.
I would also same the same for IV's, again as the body no longer processes fluids an excess of fluid can be a problem.
All this though if your Mom had been eating and she still drinks even a little can she get enough nourishment by drinking a little bit all day long? Has she reached a point where she would have decided on her own to stop eating?
While I am not in favor of feeding tubes I would not want to starve someone. So it is important to look for other cues that the body is shutting down and not utilizing food.
This is actually a time when I would contact Hospice if she is not already on Hospice. They can guide you, answer questions. A person CAN be on Hospice and have a feeding tube, it is unusual that one gets placed after a person is on Hospice though. but Hospice would be my "go to" as far as information, what they can do to help and what advice they can give.
Personally I have had a feeding tube for over four years and it is what keeps me alive. Don't let them put in a nasal gastric tube unless it is for a very short trial. they are very uncomfortable. Insist that she gets one put through her belly wall either into her stomach or jejunum which will require a minor operation and probably no hospital stay.
There is a certain amount of training involved in the feeding and care of the tube but I and many others can manage the whole thing by myself.
She will have to fail 3 swallowing tests before medicare will approve it.
There is a lot more to it of course and the speech therapist is the one who can educate you. Not only does it provide nutrition but much needed hydration so often lacking in the elderly.
Think about it, consider it carefully, do some research and seek professional advise but it can work long term all other things being equal.
A feeding tube would have never worked with my mom. She had directives in place and did not want one. Mom had pulled out IV's in the hospital so we knew it would not be good for her.
Sorry, this is hard.