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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.