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demstress Asked October 2017

Father with dementia is not eating or drinking and wants to sleep. Is there anything I can do?

Just a few days ago my father was pacing around day and night folding and unfolding clothes but he ate and drank. After all the pacing he became exhausted and went to bed and kept sleeping. When I wanted to give him something to eat or drink, he clamped his mouth shut and refused sustenance. He continued to sleep. I apprised the doctor of his condition. My father is 95 years old. Should I ask the doctor about hospice at this point? I think we are losing him.

demstress Oct 2017
Thank you for your answer. Around 3 a.m. I found my father out of his bed. I was able to give him several more sips of Ensure before he went back to bed on his own. The doctor will be contacting me when he gets in the office so I can describe these new developments.

Hugemom Oct 2017
Yes, I think you should contact his doctor again. This is a sudden change in behavior and he needs to be seen. It could be a urinary tract infection. Or, as you said, he could be shutting down. You need some advice from his doctor about what you can do for your dad. God bless.

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