My mom with late stage Alzheimer's is sleeping most of the time now, taking very little nourishment, and curling herself in a fetal position. At least one person from the Hospice staff seems to be coming every day. I just moved her into a house where a couple cares for two people at a time. She hated all the noise where she was before. I thought at first the sleeping was from being really tired from the move and all the excitement because she was really happy to be in a house with a dog, a beautiful yard, and incredibly sweet people. It's really quiet and peaceful compared to the long term care facility. Hospice is bringing music for her and she likes that. It was day 5 in this environment that she just wanted to be left alone. It's been 4 more days of not wanting out of bed. Her caregiver is a retired nurse and says she's seen this before, that she maybe feels safe now and is ready to check out of this life. She went from being a one person assist at the long term care facility to now needing a lift to move her. She had been able to stand and take a few steps and now cannot. I visit a couple times a day. She seems fine with me putting lotion on her and massaging her hands, feet, and neck, but if I just sit with her, she seems annoyed, opens her eyes and says "WHAT". Otherwise, she will ask for more of the milkshake or water and fall back asleep. She doesn't answer if I ask if she wants me to leave her alone. She hates when people have to change her or reposition her and tells them to get out of her room, which is not her usual demeanor. So my question is should I sit with her? I'm not a big talker, but I quietly relay memories to her like I've always done. It seems to me, though, that she doesn't want the comfort I'm offering. When I arrive and the nurse tells her I'm there, Mom says that I'm a good girl, then falls back asleep.
