My mother is breathing but she will not open her eyes or respond to me how can I give her her meds?

Maybe she doesn't need the pain meds anymore, my father closed his eyes, was breathing and passed soon thereafter, he was ready to go, it was his time. He was in Hospice, the nurse told me that the last thing to go was the hearing and when I was ready to let him go I should tell him, I did and he passed.

She is in hospice in your home? Why is the hospice not addressing this? This is what they DO. It is time for medication to be administered by intravenous now, if this is about pain. It may not be about pain. It is no joke that old ancient saying of the dying that "he turned his face to the wall". They do disconnect from the living. They are going to another place, and no matter how close to you, it is almost a drugged state. I have seen many die. They often state in this drugged twilight, and families are so disconcerted that they do not want to come back from it. Seeing the dying for my entire career of being a nurse has made me a person who fears death NOT AT ALL. I do fear suffering. If you are seeing no physical signs of pain there may not be any. In any case she must go to in facility hospice now if that is required for meds; many can give in home. And there are patches with fentanyl and other things that will control pain, but of course make her even further out of reach. So sorry. This is a tough time. I think hospice is not what it once was. It was so much care. Now they pop in and are gone like a visiting nurse.

Have you contacted hospice for help and understanding? These are the situations that you have hospice for, so you aren't figuring it out on your own.

Did hospice not give you liquid meds? If not, request that they send some.

Does she appear to be in pain? If not I would not be giving her anything, let hospice determine what she needs at this point.

Mostly, I am sorry you are going through this difficult journey. Use hospice and all they offer for you and mom, it will help you. Hugs!

May God grant you grieving mercies and strength during this time. It is difficult to watch someone pass from this world when we feel helpless, may you find a strong arm to comfort you.

Sorry you’re going through this...please call the nurse for liquid pain medication. My mom got it through an eye dropper type application when her breathing became labored, which they said was an indicator of pain.

Contact Hospice.
Medications can be changed to oral liquid that can be placed between the cheek and gums or under the tongue.
It might be possible that some of the medications could be discontinued if your Mom has reached the point where they will not benefit her.
If the nurse does not understand that she will not take the medication I would advise you to contact Hospice and talk to a supervisor and explain the situation. Another way you might do this is if you have CNA that is visiting tell them and they will make note of it in the record so that the team is aware of the change. This is an indication of a decline that needs to be documented.

Yes, her meds will have to be given a different way. Your Mom may not even be able to swallow. I would say she is near the end. Don't allow the nurse to leave without giving you a different way of giving meds. Their job is to keep Mom comfortable and pain free.

Hi everyone Hospice has been fantastic with my mom we have continuous care for almost a week now. my mothers time is eminent and it’s a relief to know that her pain is under control. We are playing some of her favorite tunes and watching TV it’s definitely the twilight zone and it will be sweet relief when she finally gets her wings.

Thank you everyone for your wonderful support it was very helpful. My mom passed away this morning peacefully thank God she now has her wings to soar ❤️

Hugs! May mom soar high and may God grant you grieving mercies and strength during this time.

Is there someone with you at your home OP? You are being wonderful for your mom. Ask your hospice if you could have some personal support for yourself.

We we are all here with you.

That’s s tough one! I’m not sure what to tell you other than have Hospice increase her pain meds to where she’ll be more compliant. Make sure you get the liquid medication for her.
Hang in there. I wish you peace & comfort during this difficult time. My mom passed away about 49 days ago.
i just saw the entire post. I’m so sorry for your loss. You seem to be doing well knowing she’s not in distress anymore.
There’s going to be different days, up & down for me. Not quite up but doing ok.
Take care!