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I’ve noticed my 100 year old Dad’s eyes more glassy and fixed. I’m his caregiver. He has twice weekly nurse visits and palliative care visit every six weeks (2 so far). His appetite remains good - he has shortness of breath and uses nebulizer or inhaler. Was in hospital a few weeks ago for SOB. Lately has been hearing things and is more confused as to what day it is. He does have CHF. Today was his first day he has not had to take his diuretic as his weight is below the range for a low dose. He is 5’7” with a weight of 122. Last week was in hospital ER for the day because he said he could not urinate but he did while there. He is extremely cold and asks for heat to be turned up / I keep at 75 but if he asks and I say it’s 77 he says move to 79. I’m dying of the heat! So I’m wondering are these changes part of end of life symptoms?I can basically see the eye and facial changes.

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I bought my dad an electric throw for when he sits in his den, and a small electric heater - vortex brand - to keep his sitting room as warm as he wants. It allows the rest of us to live comfortably.
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Reply to ContentedOne
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If he is that tall and weighs only 122 pounds, he doesn't have an ounce of body fat on him to help him stay warm. I would keep the heat at 79 degrees for him. You can wear cooling scarves that you soak in water, freeze, and wear around your neck. Buy several and keep them in the freezer. Swap them out as they melt and grow warm.
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Reply to WileyCoyotee7
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My mom had an issue for three weeks before she passed. She just stared, and it seemed like she could see nothing. It was very strange.
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Reply to blondinthesky
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It sounds like your dad is now in a partial coma as ones eyes become glassy and fixed then. You can ask his hospice nurse about that, but when my late husbands eyes were glassy and fixed I was told by his hospice nurse that he was in a partial coma and that he would be dead in 3 days.
Well very long story short he instead was dead in 41 days. So I will just say... make sure that you leave nothing left unsaid.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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In his last few weeks, my brother would fall asleep with his eyes half open frequently. His eyes did not become super glossy until he was actively dying.

I would not wait 2 1/2 weeks for palliative care, but would start calling hospice agencies immediately. He should not have to leave his home at this point for care. They will bring EVERYTHING to you and set it all up. Hospital bed, all your supplies and medications. And they help with bathing twice a week, shaving if needed. They give the family support as well, which is truly priceless. You can call 24/7 with questions or concerns. Why wait?
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Reply to ShirleyDot
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Chiswicky Nov 21, 2025
Thank you for info - he is getting visiting nurse twice a week - is still doing his exercises and has a good appetite. I take his oxygen level before and after inhaler use and if it drops below 90 we can consider asking his primary for oxygen use at night. His palliative care agency also does hospice and will transition him when the appropriate time comes.
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It is something I noticed with my husband some days ago, how his eyes are glossy and changed. Along with unintentional weight loss of 20% going from 180 to 140 pounds in last six months and eating well, being cold, losing his voice, choking, coughing, low blood pressure, pain not relieved with higher dosage of morphine. And they released him from hospital saying those are changes due to Parkinson progression.
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Reply to Evamar
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Ask his care team if eye drops for dry eyes might make him more comfortable. I use OTC Theratears in the single disposable dispenser. Just squeeze over the eyes, some will get in.

The problem with eyes staying open a lot is that the eye isn't being lubricated. Eyes can get itchy and uncomfortable, and if dad rubs them, that could introduce infection, styes, etc. Better to make sure the eyes don't get too dry.
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Reply to Fawnby
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This happened to my dad's eyes too before he passed. Glassy, not focusing on one particular object, and also sunken cheeks and keeping his mouth open.

I agree it is time for hospice care at home (if that is where he is currently), so he does not need to be transported and treated at the ER. That can be hard on someone in his state. Hard on everyone, really.

It is difficult to see such a decline in family members. Wishing you some peace.
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Reply to DaughterofAD3
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Yes. Dad needs hospice comfort care now, stat. My mother had CHF and went from being fine one day to taking to her bed the next day, semi comatose, and dying one week later. Thankfully, hospice was on board and was able to keep her comfortable and w/o bedsores as CHF claimed her life.

Running back and forth to the hospital for a 100 year old man sounds like pure torture to me. Dad's weight loss and CHF symptoms alone are plenty for him to qualify for hospice care. Morphine eases breathing difficulties tremendously.

Best of luck to you.
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Reply to lealonnie1
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Chiswicky Nov 19, 2025
Thank you for info - palliative care nurse practitioner will be coming in 2.5 weeks. Yes my Dad gets tired of going to hospital and then was on home hospital twice during the past year. She follows his hospitalizations and is aware of his health issues. She was the one who actually prescribed the nebulizer after witnessing his breathing issues. She spoke the last time about when it would be time to make a decision regarding type of care.
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