My father is on a feeding tube. He is a veteran in a nursing home. I know my father wants to drink. They seem to want him to die. Advice?

Have they stopped feeding him through his tube? If he’s getting feedings then he is receiving hydration. I would check with his doctors to get clarification before you give him fluids by mouth. It shouldn’t be difficult to ask.

you should try to give him a drink thru those swabs...thats how I discovered that mom can drink and then can eat, while doctors put her on feeding tube and thought thats its forever. She was begging to drink water in all possible languages she knew, so i decided to try and first thru the swabs, then more and more, and then she went thru the test and now on puree food. but if not me, the doctors will think that she is on feeding tube forever. you should try, you dont lose anything, by using those swabs you ll see how badly his ability to swallow is for real

It is very frustrating right now especially with three other sisters that is looking to do whatever it takes to cause your harm. My father has really nothing to leave. His money is with the fiduciary and his bank account is in his and my name. My sisters are doing very well. It is really a sad situation with all the animosity toward me when they did not want to care for him.

Does he have an advanced directive? What does it say, if so? Sometimes parents charge a different relative with carrying out last wishes due to emotions. I don't know that that is your sitch, but maybe.

You can request ice chips, too. I know this is frustrating.

What are your father's instructions, or have there been any, concerning his feeding and hydration? Do you mean he wants to drink by mouth? If so, is he capable of swallowing without risk of aspiration? My mother had a feeding tube. For a while she could eat puréed foods and swallow thickened liquids, but over time she lost that ability. From then on all her feeding and liquids were handled by the tube because of the risk of aspiration. She was always kept well hydrated. Sorry to ask so many questions but it’d help to know more to be able to help

I feel like they are not doing enough for him but giving me doom all the time. He has been very strong thus far. Although they say he is NPO he wants to drink. What do you think?