The end isn't near if that's all that's going on. My mom hung out with dead people for the last three years of her life, because she thought she was in high school most of the time. That was dementia talking, not some end-of-life event.
The end is near when someone stops eating and drinking, is bedridden, and isn't awake or cognizant much of the time.
No mention of dementia here or in your profile, but you did list UTI. Is she merely "seeing" them or "interacting" with them or just talking about them?
UTIs can cause odd behaviors like this, even in those who don't have any kind of dementia. It seems to be a bit worse when dementia is in the picture, but infections (not just UTIs) can cause odd behavior, as can strokes, TIAs, and early dementia.
You really need to get a checkup, including urine culture and blood work, to rule out infections, imbalances in the blood, etc. If there's no sign of anything amiss, then perhaps some additional testing for dementia, TIAs or strokes.
My mother's dementia was most likely vascular, which does often plateau, then can "step down", meaning additional recent memory loss. Initially it was short term memory loss (impacts learning anything new, repetition of statements and/or questions, etc, because recent events aren't retained.) Nine months after moving to MC for safety reasons, she had an abrupt "step down", putting her memories squarely in the 40+ year ago range. She talked and asked about her mother and father and the previous residence. She asked about a sister, gone more recently, but referenced a cousin's "baby" who would have been about 40ish at the time of discussion. Since I was an adult already by then, she still knew who I was, but old memories were now the "recent" memories.
If she's talking and/or interacting with these family members, it could be due to a medical issue. Rule those out first. If she's merely talking about the past as if it's the present, it might be early-mid stages of dementia/memory loss. The medical issues might be treatable and she could resume life as before. Memory losses won't be, you just go along with it as best you can (if they think these people are alive, don't negate it - the hurt or anger will be bad for you and her!)
It could mean that, but only God knows the day and the time that He will call her home. My husband started talking to people that I couldn't see about 2 1/2 weeks before he died. I asked him if he knew the people he was talking to and he said yes. I then asked him if they wanted him to go with them and again he said yes. So I then asked him if he wanted to go with them and he turned to look at me like I was crazy and said loudly NO!! Is your mother under hospice care? If so, they should be able to tell you if they think she's nearing her dying process. Wishing you and your mother peace in the days ahead,
That is very common in my family just before people pass. However, please be cautioned that it could be a health problem. My 92-year-old mom is in a nursing home and I have found that whenever she tells me she is seeing dead family members she is usually hallucinating due to a UTI. It has taken my several months to figure this out and I am the one who has the nursing home she is ill because they seem to be deaf and blind when it comes to these hallucinations and the reason for them. Just be aware that illness could possibly be the cause.
My dad spoke of looking forward to seeing deceased family members in the days prior to his passing. He was comforted by his thoughts. I don’t think he necessarily saw them be fire he died but it was a definite desire. I wish you both peace while walking through this
Not unusual for someone preparing to 'pass over' to see departed loved ones. I found it really beautiful, to see my daddy communicate with his mom, dad and beloved sister.
Prepare for the end and be loving and supportive in the meantime.
We actually encouraged our GG to 'go with Grandpa, already!' Once she had the family's permission, she did go. I know Grandpa was just waiting for her to be left alone for a few minutes so he could guide her.
While this is hard for 'us'--it's a beautiful thing for the person who is dying. (Just my opinion and having witnessed several deaths. All peaceful and sweet.)
The end is near when someone stops eating and drinking, is bedridden, and isn't awake or cognizant much of the time.
UTIs can cause odd behaviors like this, even in those who don't have any kind of dementia. It seems to be a bit worse when dementia is in the picture, but infections (not just UTIs) can cause odd behavior, as can strokes, TIAs, and early dementia.
You really need to get a checkup, including urine culture and blood work, to rule out infections, imbalances in the blood, etc. If there's no sign of anything amiss, then perhaps some additional testing for dementia, TIAs or strokes.
My mother's dementia was most likely vascular, which does often plateau, then can "step down", meaning additional recent memory loss. Initially it was short term memory loss (impacts learning anything new, repetition of statements and/or questions, etc, because recent events aren't retained.) Nine months after moving to MC for safety reasons, she had an abrupt "step down", putting her memories squarely in the 40+ year ago range. She talked and asked about her mother and father and the previous residence. She asked about a sister, gone more recently, but referenced a cousin's "baby" who would have been about 40ish at the time of discussion. Since I was an adult already by then, she still knew who I was, but old memories were now the "recent" memories.
If she's talking and/or interacting with these family members, it could be due to a medical issue. Rule those out first. If she's merely talking about the past as if it's the present, it might be early-mid stages of dementia/memory loss. The medical issues might be treatable and she could resume life as before. Memory losses won't be, you just go along with it as best you can (if they think these people are alive, don't negate it - the hurt or anger will be bad for you and her!)
My husband started talking to people that I couldn't see about 2 1/2 weeks before he died. I asked him if he knew the people he was talking to and he said yes. I then asked him if they wanted him to go with them and again he said yes. So I then asked him if he wanted to go with them and he turned to look at me like I was crazy and said loudly NO!!
Is your mother under hospice care? If so, they should be able to tell you if they think she's nearing her dying process.
Wishing you and your mother peace in the days ahead,
Prepare for the end and be loving and supportive in the meantime.
We actually encouraged our GG to 'go with Grandpa, already!' Once she had the family's permission, she did go. I know Grandpa was just waiting for her to be left alone for a few minutes so he could guide her.
While this is hard for 'us'--it's a beautiful thing for the person who is dying. (Just my opinion and having witnessed several deaths. All peaceful and sweet.)