My mom has late stages of Dementia, Alzheimer's and her doctor had Hospice come to our home?

Question

Does this mean she is ready to die, She is in bed and really can't get out, she can't walk or see anymore and hardly eats at all. We are lucky to get 6 ozs of fluids in her and a few droppers of baby cereal into her. I guess I want to know how long before she dies it is very hard taking care of her like this even with help.

Answer 1

I'm sorry but as my teachers always said, "It depends". Hospice was with my Granny for about 3 or 4 months and she had the same diagnoses. But yes, hospice comes in when there are really no other options. I know it's hard, but just stick in there. Try to make her time here palliable. God bless.

Answer 2

The best time frame I can give you is six months or less. That's usually when hospice is called in. I'm very sorry, I work in a long term care facility and Alzheimer's is the worst degenerative disease I have ever seen. At least she is able to be home and die there instead of in a facility with no family. Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

First, I'm so sorry for you and your mother. It must be horrible to watch someone you love deteriorate. I understand because the same thing happened to my grandfather. Actually, hospice people are assigned when there is nothing more medically that can be done to improve the situation but the person still requires care and medicines. I don't believe it's a time clock ticking till the person dies, because there is no way to estimate when that will happen. The doctors have just done all they can aside from keeping her medicated and comfortable. Just love her while you can and trust that God knows best.

Mizging

Answer 4

Hospice comes in when there is nothing else to be done. Once she has decided she will not recover, it will take very little time.My friend went the same day he finally said he wasn't 'going on' any more. With my dad, all the kids had to tell him it was OK if he didn't want to stay with us. I do know that there will be no more tests, treatments, new meds. They are made comfortable only to go peacefully, and to be there for the family.

Answer 5

I know the stress you are under. I was my fathers caretaker for several years.
It seems so bizarre that your mothers Dr has not talked to you about her health, and what to expect. You need to call and have a meeting with them tomorrow.
If Hospice is involved, your mom is considered terminal with no expectations of her getting healthy. Hospice is a wonderful group of people with the biggest hearts in the world. Talk with them, they are always honest and tell you and your mom what is happening.
I wish your mom peace. You are a good daughter/son.

Answer 6

If she's only taking small amounts of fluids it will only be a few days to weeks before she passes away. When my grandmother with Alzheimer's quit eating and drinking it only took 3 days for her to die. I'm sorry you are going through this. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Answer 7

i went through the alzheimers stuff with my dad and i know how hard that is sometimes he would look and tell me that he wanted to die but once they are stuck and cant do anything yes she is probably in very bad shape mind wise and when my father past away i felt the piece and seen he was happier i was with him and by the way i tolsd him that it was ok because right b4 he died he seemed to be himself and know what was goin on for a short time and knew that he was so ready yes it is sad but when someone is like that they are more likely to have reality thoughts that they just want to go i really did when my dad pass i didnt really cry for like 4 minutes i was right there and i felt something thats why i know now that when u do pass on that something good really does happen i felt it it was like i was in a trans and didnt feel sad i would let her know that it is ok to pass because shes ot eatting getting up or doin anyhting same stuff my father did i would srart lokin and sayin simple things because sometimes they have moments that they know whats goin on they go in and out of these but it doesnt last but a few minutes see i took care my dad i was only 21 so i stayed home with him and payed very much attention to him i was a first trying to refresh his memory with things and thats how i noticed that at short times he would snap into reality and now what was goin on and thats whe he would say he wanted to go but then i would actually see when he went back to the bad part it was really strange but really they do that i did alot of studying for 3 years and never left but as things got worse i just let him know that it was ok and told him to watch me and wed meet back up try watching more ..not saying u dont or anything but try to catch that reality moment youll know it when it comes but it doesnt last but a few minutes and that a good time too either ask or theyll say what they want

Answer 8

i reached that point with mother and they took her from the house and she went to Indianapolis to a dementia home staffed for it and then lived for a year with big drugs in her and they got her up and around more and then they said she fell and this pissed me off cause i wanted her safe at home but the need for big drugs to handle them is the reason we had to let them take her to institution.she was dead later the night she feel and was drugged to take care of the pain, u be careful too now, the thing of watching mother and her brother both starved to death is what i'm dealing with now from being exposed to it taking care of her

Answer 9

If she has to go into a Hospice, she's pretty close. You should ask her doctor. They would be able to tell you how many months.

Answer 10

She could linger for months or she could go very rapidly. It's not an exact science although from your description, it sounds like she's within only a few very short months if that long.