She is 92 years old and has been in hospital since August 16th. In that time she has been on oxygen, IV fluid and hasn't been able to go to toilet by herself (so she has incontinence pads on). She was sent to a rehabilitation hospital few days ago but isn't able to do any rehab. For all I know her bp is fine, but she isn't herself. She has to have purée foods and isn't eating much of that. Is this the beginning of the end? 💔
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If it has not yet been suggested that Hospice be called in I would do that.
You, the family and your loved one (grandma I am assuming) will get care and support. She will get all the supplies she needs and the goal of Hospice is comfort care.
This can be a difficult time for family and Hospice will help.
If her body is not processing foods or fluids to continue giving IV's can do more harm than good. The excess fluids can pool beneath the skin causing problems, or it can create problems for the kidneys that may not be functioning properly.
((hugs)) for you all through this time.
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You need to talk to the Director of Nursing and the doctor in charge of Grandmom. Ask about Hospice. Ask if they can be brought in to evaluate Grandmom. She has been thru alot in the last 2 months. She may be transitioning, the doctor will order hospice.
There should be a SW you can talk to. You need to learn everything you can. The one thing at 91 I would not allow is a feeding tube. If she is transitioning this will do more harm then good.
If M ‘isn't able to do any rehab’ then she won’t be kept in rehab. Perhaps you should look at the ‘end of life’ information, because that’s what it sounds like.
PS I wanted to send a hug, and couldn't work out how to do it. Lots of love, Margaret
My Mom is having home hospice.
She is making a choice with eating less and that may be the way she goes out. That is not a bad ending and her reaching 92 is an admirable age. My mother is living with a bedsore that has to have the dressing changed daily and it is deep. She is on round the clock pain medications. Often after visiting her depending on her energy level that day I wonder how long she can endure. I hope you are able to find peace with whatever the future brings you.
She might be ready.