Do we allow an aging dementia patient to just sleep?

Why not? She is dying, so let her drift off in peace. What is the point of waking her up?

Just make sure she’s getting enough fluids - that can cause more confusion if dehydrated. Else light meals and sleep is fine.

At her age and condition, I guess that's about as good as it gets.

Thank You, very much. I kinda just wanted reassurance that Im doing everything ok. My Mother Inlaw is out of town on business and she wants me to force her to wake up but I have always known it's more for her benefit and not her moms. Thanks Again.

That's how life goes for late stage dementia sufferers, unfortunately; they sleep 95% of the time. You could wake her up for periods of time, but what would you have her do? There isn't much they're capable of at this stage of the game, so if you were to wake her, it would be more for your sake than hers. If you think you can provide some sort of stimulation or entertainment for her for a period of time when you keep her awake, then by all means, go for it! Otherwise, let her alone, that's my advice.

My 92 y/o mother lives in memory care and lots of the residents are asleep on the chairs that are all around the great room area, every single time I go in to visit. They're woken up to eat and toilet, and then they go right back to sleep on their favorite chair. The care givers do get them up in the mornings, get them dressed and groomed and bring them out to the living room area for the day, but again, they do spend the vast majority of their time sleeping.

It's tough to witness this, I know. All the best to you.