What are the signs of aproaching death for a stroke patient not taking in food or water?

Question

My mother is home from the nursing home after suffering a sever stroke to the right side of her brain. We have brought her home to die, as she did not want a feeding tube or IVs. She has gone almost a week with only smalll amounts of water (3teaspoons mabe 4 times a day). I feel guilty asking, "how long is this going to take?" But several family members have taken off of work to be with her.

Answer 1

Even if she is not taking food or water it is hard to say how long she has. There are some signs that will let you know when she is close though. Modeling of her hands and feet, it will look blue/ purple and patchy. Her breathing will become very labored and slow, and her gaze will appear glassy and fixed. I'm so sorry for what you are going through, but I commend you for being there with her caring for her. I worked in a nursing home for years and took care of many people who were approaching death. Just make sure you keep her comfortable. Turn her from side to side about every 2 hours to prevent bedsores, make sure she is dry, and swab her mouth with water to keep it from drying and cracking. I hope I helped a little, and your family is in my prayers.

Answer 2

This is a difficult time for all of you. We went through something similar with my grandpa who had bone cancer. We were so blessed to have a Hospice worker come to the home daily. She was so helpful in helping us understand the dying process. It was 9 years ago and I was 9 months pregnant when he passed away - I was kind of an emotional basket case and I am sorry that I don't remember the signs we watched for. It seems like changing color of the skin on his feet was one thing that happened. Contact a local hospice and request a hospice nurse. All it takes is a doctor to say that a person has less than 6 months to live. I highly recommend it. In addition, when my grandfather died, we called her and she was there within the hour to help us make the arrangements and comfort us. She was truly a God-send to our family.