Mom is 95 yrs old and in the last 2 weeks she has gotten very weak, sleeps a lot and does not have much appetite, what's going on?

those are symptoms of a body shutting down. that sounds detached and uncaring but its an honest answer. ive read that there comes a time when it requires more energy to digest / process food than the energy obtained from it. that could explain the energy deficit.. if that is the case she is fortunate to have a gentle descent with the comfort that sleep affords. trying to get food into her may be contrary to what the body is trying to do. just my feelings on the subject. no factuality, just opinion.

hello sounds like my mom she sleeps alot she has no strength like before she holds onto stuff like she is going to fall she does not eat at all she want drink it just sits there i try she gts mad i dont want her to die she already wants to go

What is her health like, prior to two weeks ago? Does she have any chronic conditions, such as diabetes, copd, dementia, etc?

Does she have other symptoms right now, to indicate this might be a cold or the flu or some other acute condition?

Tell us a little more and that may help get you more specific responses.

Oh my goodness, this was the same question I was going to ask yesterday. My mom went to her GP Doctor a couple weeks ago and since then there has been a major difference in her. She won't get out of bed until afternoon and sits in a fog falling asleep in her chair. One day she got up said I want a shower, got dressed and then sat looking out the window all day. I am thinking it may be depression. Any other ideas would be much appreciated. bm0508ps thank you for bringing up this topic.

My mom passed away in March. I happened to mention on this site that my mom was sleeping all the time. She has always been a night person. When we go to sleep, I see her lying there with her eyes wide open. When I change her pampers, I have to massage her stiff arms and legs (locked straight) until her limbs relax. It's been months, when we used to feed her 3/4 can of nutrient drink thru the stomach tube. But in March, it all changed...gradually as in within weeks. I first noticed that her nutrient would stop going down at only 1/2 can and she would be full for hours. Then her stomach would only take 1/3 of the can. One day, when I turned her, her limbs were so limp. And she was now sleeping all the time - even at nights. She was getting skinny so fast everywhere.

When posters told me that my mom was close to the end, I didn't believe them. Because how could they know without seeing her? So, I googled the dying process. Mom had the soaking sweat - her clothing was soaking wet. Anyway, I didn't really want to take the words of the posters here. So, we tried to get hospice service or atleast get mom evaluated or have a nurse come over and just tell us if mom is dying. Just something. Doctor and hospice did not return our calls. Uncompromising instructions: take mom to the clinic for diagnosis. Mom passed away while we tried to get hospice service.

I don't want to say that your mom is towards the end. It sounds like it. But you know what, my mom has had dementia for 25 years. So many times, more than my 2 hands, mom looked like she was going to die,and she did not. It's a vicious cycle. Our siblings would fly home, thinking mom was dying, and then she pulled through. So, don't give up on your mom. I suggest taking her to clinic or ask if they can send a nurse over to your home for evaluation for hospice (not necessarily means only for the dying). It's awful to not know what's happening. I hope you find an answer.

Yes, what Bob describes is called "Failure to thrive." My son had it when he was born, now my Dad has it when he is trying to die. It is the body's way of dealing with it. By the way, my son is a robust 170 lb, 20 year old now!!!

If it makes you feel better, encourage her to eat or feed her.

xo

-SS

I agree with the general consensus here that your mother is starting to shut down. My mother is a little further along in the process, but she keeps refusing to go. Today she refused to go with the angels because she did not know them. It is a process, but each person must maneuver through at their own pace and in their own way. Good luck to you.

Have a GREAT day.

well i need a answer what to do my mom sleeps alot she want eat i cant get her to drink . all she says is she wants to die. i dont know what to do

A few months ago my aunt was having similar symptoms. Turned out she was severly constipated. Check her vitals. Get her in to see her doctor.

Dear ladyfish,

I know its hard. Please take her to the doctor or to the emergency room to be evaluated. Its really hard to say with elders sometimes. Their bodies could be shutting down or as 97roldmom has said, it could be another condition. With my dad he had heart failure and his body was shutting down. I hate myself for not recognizing this and doing something sooner. Please don't be afraid to take her to the doctor or the ER for an evaluation.