Do you think I should call my hospice nurse?

Thanks I did call Hospice this afternoon. They think the time is near...but advised me not to push food or fluids due to the fact that she is gagging and choking. I know mom is very weak. She has slept all night and all day. But she is worrying about wetting herself and tries to get up. She can't pull herself up and leans heavily to one side. She finally went potty and felt relief. I cleaned her up and changed her jammies and now she is resting peacefully. Hospice told me to give her medication to keep her calm and let her sleep. They will call again in the morning. I feel that she is nearing her end. I pray for peace soon.

Yes, call hospice. Anytime you wonder if you should call hospice, call hospice. If nothing else, they will give you some reassurance over the phone.

The things you describe are nothing specific enough to say death will happen soon. It is hard to know what to tell you, because death may happen slowly or quickly. How is your mother's color and temperature? Does she seem extraordinarily weak?

People are different during their final days. Some people fade away. Other people have a surge of activity that makes them seem like they are getting better. This is thought to be caused by a release of neurotransmitters, e.g. serotonin, in the brain preparing for death. When they are surging, people often eat a hearty meal. Death normally begins soon after.

Other people do not experience surging that anyone notices, so surging can't be used as an absolute indicator.

The hospice nurse does not have to necessarily be there at the time of death. You can call him/her and ask questions about what to do, and let them know your mother's symptoms. The people at hospice will know you have questions and know how to answer them best.

My mother had hospice before she passed away in October. Whenever I had a question or a concern, I would call the hospice number and a nurse would return my call. I'd get a phone call back within 15 minutes and if I didn't, I'd call, again. Once the nurse returned my call, she would either advise me over the phone or she would come out to check on Mom --- depending on the situation. Hopefully your hospice works the same ways as ours does.

(((((((((Hugs)))))) and prayers for you and your mum.