My mom is in hospice I know we won't know when she will die but what are some of the signs to know she is declining. When my grandma died in hospice they told us she had two weeks but died within a couple of days how do the hospice people know this is it because your loved ones stops eating or what any nurses or anyone who has been through hospice can give me some insight. My mom has stoped eating and talking to people I just wanted to know if this is a sign anyone else has seen when someone is about to die.
2007-12-10 04:34:55 · 7 answers · asked by Betty R 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
I'm sorry for what you're going through.
Yes, becoming withdrawn, not eating, not drinking, and altered breathing as another noted, are all good signs that likely she will die soon. You can't really give exact time frames for many reasons.
Though she may not want to talk, you can still talk to her. If there is anything you feel you need to say, say it soon. If you know of anything that will comfort her (would she want a priest, for example? "Last rites" do NOT require you to be on your death bed and can be comforting) then arrange it soon. Try to see she's as comfortable as possible in every way, let her know you love her, and then let nature take its course.
BTW, though she may not be particularly responsive very near the end, most likely holding her hand, rubbing her arm/hand, etc. will be something she's aware of and comforted by.
God bless.
2007-12-10 05:22:07 · answer #1 · answered by heyteach 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My grandfather and wife's grandmother both died of cancer while in hospice care. All the time frames they are giving you are estimates based on the signs you are mentioning. My wife's grandmother stopped eating before passing, I think the people at hospice would tell you this is a sign of giving up. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your mother and spend as much time with her while you can.
2007-12-10 12:50:56 · answer #2 · answered by gambit0614 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry for you and your family. Some signs that the end is near are - agitation and restlessness, unable to eat or drink, and, of course, altered breathing. This is what's called a "death rattle", the person's inhalations and exhalations become noisy. Death usually occurs within 24 hours of this.
As death approaches, the person stops eating, drinking and talking because they use all their strength just to breath.
My dad died of cancer and while in hospice care, he wanted to be at home, so the hospice nurses came a few times a day - really, as many times as we wanted them to. We had pain meds for him that we administered. Even though he always denied being in pain, once he stopped responding verbally, we chose to keep him on morphine, dosing him every 4 hours.
The end came quickly for him, after a 5 year battle with cancer. Wednesday, he was sitting in the living room having coherent conversations with us, able to eat and drink a bit. Thursday, he was no longer able to get out of bed or speak, but could still respond with hand gestures and head movement. Thursday afternoon, his breathing changed, and he passed away later that night around 2 a.m.
I stayed by his bedside, thanked him for all he had given me and held his hand.
Doctors really can only guess the amount of time a person has left. Most of the time they are inaccurate, but families want to know.
Again, I am terribly sorry that you have to go through this.
2007-12-10 13:45:30 · answer #3 · answered by FishStory 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry that you and your family are going through this. My mother passed away seven years ago. The Hospice nurses know what is happening because of her vital signs.
It is a blessing that you and other family members can be with her at this time. This has got to be the most important thing to her right now to have those that she loves with her.
I am praying for you and your family. May God bring you peace and comfort.
2007-12-10 13:39:22 · answer #4 · answered by 4HIM- Christians love 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ususually a decline in eating and drinking is a start. The body can go without eating, but can't go without drinking. Once dehydration has kicked in that's when it's more serious. You will notice a change in breathing, if you see your mom chest heaving which is breathing with more of the chest muscles then the lower muscles that's a sign, as well as the body starts to model, and that means there is lack of blood circulation. If your mom hasn't eating or drank anything in a few days then there is a good chance she won't last long. I am sorry to hear about what your going through, my advice to you is to try and keep your mom as comfortable as possible.
2007-12-10 12:43:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is always someone associated with Hospice to liaise with relatives and friends. Ask to have a sit down to discuss how things are going.
2007-12-10 16:19:45 · answer #6 · answered by thinkingtime 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep a look at their lips and fingers, if they're blue then it's a sign of organs failing.
2007-12-10 12:39:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋