My 86 year old aunt with dementia in a nursing home is no longer eating. Recently she fell while trying to get out of bed and broke her leg. She had successful surgery to repair her leg but stopped eating pretty much when she was returned to the nursing home. If this is end of life I understand and will inquire about hospice. However, what if she is not eating due to her recent medical issues and not end of life? Should I ask about meds for her appetite? She is in her bed and not active at all because she can't tolerate it. She does take her medications with Boost, but that seems to be it.
The norm is eating less and moving less and sleeping more. If this is allowed to go on forever then one ends in the fetal position without speech of the ability to swallow. We nurses used to call it the "full circle" and indeed, it is the circle of life.
I would never force food or fluid on an elder in this condition. To what end? To add another day or two of this torment?
I would, were I you, speak with the MD now about Hospice care.
A fall in an elderly person often can be the beginning of the end, but only your aunts doctors and hospice can predict if that is the case.
So please call the hospice agency of your choice today to come out and do an evaluation. They are available 24/7.