As an elder progresses with Alzheimer's/dementia, they sleep a lot more and eat a lot less. It's a sign that the disease is advancing.
If you are unfamiliar with dementia, read and learn all you can about it so you can be armed with information to better understand what's going on. I suggest you read this 33 page booklet (a free download) which has THE best information ever about managing dementia and what to expect with an elder who's been diagnosed with it.
Understanding the Dementia Experience, by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210580
Jennifer is a nurse who worked for many years as an educator and counsellor for people with dementia and their families, as well as others in caring roles. She addresses the emotional and grief issues in the contexts in which they arise for families living with dementia. The reviews for her books are phenomenal b/c they are written in plain English & very easy to read/understand. Her writings have been VERY helpful for me.
The full copy of her book is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtful-Dementia-Care-Understanding-Experience/dp/B09WN439CC/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2E7WWE9X5UFXR&keywords=jennifer+ghent+fuller+books&qid=1657468364&sprefix=jennifer+ghent%2Caps%2C631&sr=8-2
My Husband went from sleeping 8 hours to 10 then eventually to 12 then the last year it was about 20 hours the 6 months or so it was 23 hours. The only time he was awake was when he was eating, being showered or bathed and even changes of his briefs he often slept through. Sleeping more, weight loss are 2 very common signs of decline that Hospice uses to recertify someone.
She sleeps a lot and barely eats
If you are unfamiliar with dementia, read and learn all you can about it so you can be armed with information to better understand what's going on.
I suggest you read this 33 page booklet (a free download) which has THE best information ever about managing dementia and what to expect with an elder who's been diagnosed with it.
Understanding the Dementia Experience, by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210580
Jennifer is a nurse who worked for many years as an educator and counsellor for people with dementia and their families, as well as others in caring roles. She addresses the emotional and grief issues in the contexts in which they arise for families living with dementia. The reviews for her books are phenomenal b/c they are written in plain English & very easy to read/understand. Her writings have been VERY helpful for me.
The full copy of her book is available here:
https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtful-Dementia-Care-Understanding-Experience/dp/B09WN439CC/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2E7WWE9X5UFXR&keywords=jennifer+ghent+fuller+books&qid=1657468364&sprefix=jennifer+ghent%2Caps%2C631&sr=8-2
Best of luck to you.
The exception is when the residents at her MC are baking cookies. She smells them, and out of her room she comes, happy to join in the eating. 🍪 🍪
Sleeping more, weight loss are 2 very common signs of decline that Hospice uses to recertify someone.