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She's mostly skin and bones, she has dementia and recently hallucinations sometimes. She's wheelchair only because of several fall fractured her hip and reinjured it a few months ago and fell out of her chair this past Sunday.
My question is this... the past week or so I noticed she's sleeping a lot and is very weak, very confused and I could hardly make out her words ( I go over now everyday). Last night she was complaing her hands were very cold, so I covered her with more blankets... her hands look molted blue. TODAY when I arrived she was up in her wheelchair and very talkative, somethings made sense, others didn't, but I was surprised to see her so alert then she began complaing about her hands again. I pulled her hands out from under her armpits (she had them crossed and there to keep them warm) and was shocked to see her fingertips are just about black!
Is this normal? Does this mean she's shutting down? Even though she was much more communitive today than past several? She had a long wonderful life, I just don't want her to be cold or in pain. I pray she goes in her sleep. Is there anything I can do? I put some footies on her hands, she said 'still cold'.

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"Hands turning blue and mottled is a sign that death is approaching, caused by a natural slowing of circulation. As the body prioritizes blood flow to vital organs, extremities like hands and feet receive less blood, causing them to become cool and discolored, appearing pale, bluish, or purplish. Mottling is a common sign in the last hours or days of life, though not every person will experience it."

I wonder if gloves would help?
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Reply to JoAnn29
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I have experienced this with my mother-in-law with Alzheimer's. Terminal lucidity refers to a sudden and unexpected return of mental clarity and consciousness in individuals who are nearing death, particularly those with severe neurological conditions like dementia. This phenomenon can occur shortly before death, often providing a brief window where the person may seem more like their former self. It sounds like you have done all you can to make her comfortable. I hope you were able to enjoy this time with her. ***hugs***
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Reply to Joceppi
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What you can do is reassure mom of your love and care. Be kind to yourself during this time. Know that being present for the actual moment of death is not important as death is a solo journey. I wish you both peace
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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Your mothers hospice nurse should be able to answer any questions you may have at this point, but it's obvious that she is dying.
So just enjoy whatever time you may have left with her and leave nothing left unsaid.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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The hospice team is very good at knowing just how close elders are to the actual end. I don't know how long it takes you to get to where she is located but the minute they call you, go.

My MIL's LTC facility transitioned her to hospice and within a week we got a call (while in church) that we should get over there. Within 30 mintues she passed peacefully -- and she wasn't even on morphine or Ativan or anything. The prior week she was still her "usual" self, only weaker.

I wish you peace in your heart on this final part of your Mom's journey.
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Reply to Geaton777
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PeggySue2020 Nov 1, 2025
Neither hospice nor my surgeon sister could predict the day or even week of dad’s death. He was in the process of switching hospices to one with its own hospice home as my mom could not deal with him anymore at home and didn’t even relish us coming over.

We had 11 days with dad on hospice. Jimmy Carter lasted about 18 months. Dad had a sp02 in the 90 percentile range three days before he died. There was no mottling. The only potential sign of decline was that his agitation abated. It could have been his dying, or it could have been seroquel.
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Mary. I am so sorry. It seems that Hospice is attempting now to inform you that your Mom is at the end of her life. You can do many things to comfort her during this time, but the cards are now on the table and the end is inevitable.

This is where Hospice can be a great help to you. Please as to speak with their social worker and their clergy to help you during this tough transition. My heart goes out to you.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Agree to the above - especially a rally phase
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Reply to Sallydames
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If Hospice advised that she’s in “imminent phase” (imminent meaning “about to happen”) death is near. The extremities turning dark blue is a major sign. Her being in a chair seemingly alert is confusing but I’ve read that a “rallying” phase does happen sometimes during the process. Prayers and sympathy to you at this time.
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Reply to peace416
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