She had eaten less and less over the last 2 months Today she ate nothing. She now weighs 98 lbs. We’ve added protein powder to her drinks and oatmeal but she’s weak. What happens next if she refuses food? She lives at home with 24 hours aides.
At your moms age it could be that her body is now starting the dying process, and so food and eventually drink will not be wanted. It can actually be very painful if she were to try and eat or drink if her digestive system is starting to shut down, so be careful not to force her to do either. Let her be your guide. If she asks for food or drink, give her some. Otherwise just let nature take its course, and definitely get hospice involved if they aren't already. It's hard, I know, but this is all part of life. God bless you.
Not unusual. Like the advice to get a hospice eval.
Don't stress too much about her lack of eating. When the body starts shutting down, it knows it doesn't need anything. Offer her food and water but don't make a thing about if she's not interested.
I would get Hospice involved. Refusing food and water are signs that her body is shutting down. It lo longer needs the calories to function. To place a feeding tube would likely cause more problems. Continue to offer food throughout the day. Continue to offer fluids. You may have to go to a swab soaked in fluid. If she is having problems swallowing thickening fluids might help. (several products on the market I used Thick It for my Husband) Please invite Hospice to help you through this.
It may be time to talk to her doctor about a hospice evaluation for mom at this juncture if she's refusing food. Alzheimer's is considered a terminal disease so she may be approaching the end of her life where food is no longer something she desires. Hospice will make sure she stays comfortable in spite of not eating food to keep up her strength.
I'm sorry you're dealing with such a thing. My mother is 95 with advanced dementia but still eating like a Sumo wrestler, for some reason, making her ineligible for hospice. Best of luck with everything.
Let her be your guide. If she asks for food or drink, give her some. Otherwise just let nature take its course, and definitely get hospice involved if they aren't already.
It's hard, I know, but this is all part of life. God bless you.
Don't stress too much about her lack of eating. When the body starts shutting down, it knows it doesn't need anything. Offer her food and water but don't make a thing about if she's not interested.
Refusing food and water are signs that her body is shutting down. It lo longer needs the calories to function.
To place a feeding tube would likely cause more problems.
Continue to offer food throughout the day. Continue to offer fluids. You may have to go to a swab soaked in fluid. If she is having problems swallowing thickening fluids might help. (several products on the market I used Thick It for my Husband)
Please invite Hospice to help you through this.
I'm sorry you're dealing with such a thing. My mother is 95 with advanced dementia but still eating like a Sumo wrestler, for some reason, making her ineligible for hospice. Best of luck with everything.