1. You mention in your profile that mom has a "sleep disorder" has she taken a medication for this? Is she taking her own meds? If so is it possible that she took more than she should have? 2. With dementia it is possible to get into a very deep sleep. (There were times when it was difficult to awaken my Husband)
Is mom on Hospice? Might be a good idea. you will get help as well as supplies and equipment that will make caring for her safer and easier. Is mom a "full code" of has a "DNR" or POLST been signed? If not I encourage a "POLST or DNR" (POLST is more detailed and complete then a DNR) Trying CPR on almost anyone will probably result in broken ribs, cracked sternum, possibly punctured lungs. Any of these difficult for anyone to recover from let alone an older person with dementia. (I would also discourage IV's for hydration and tube feeding for nutrition.)
I, too, hope that you will return to give us an update.
Do you have a blood pressure machine? Amazon sells, for under 30.00, a good Omron (nurses love the brand) automatic machine that is simple to use to measure BP and pulse. Another 20.00 would get you a little finger clip on O2 oximeter to check oxygenation of the blood.
If you intend to do any heroic measures, such as EMT, then abnormals on those in these circumstances would indicate you need to take action to call 911.
I so agree with cwillie that it is time to make a plan now for end of life, and what interventions your Mom would want, or that you think wise. It may be time for Hospice assessment as well, as was suggested.
I hope you return to give us an update, Tina. Such a terrifying thing. I agree with cwillie's recommendations. My mom was on hospice and she'd had a great day the day before. It had flashed in my mind wondering if that was her "last hurrah". The next morning she didn't wake up. I called hospice for advice and the nurse said not to try to wake her. She passed two days later.
If your mother's not on hospice, call her doctor this morning for advise. Personally, I wouldn't move her to a hospital because of the stress and noise it could cause her. I recommend having the medical pros guide you.
That must have been scary. Is she on a new medication that may have zonked her out? Do you have an end of life plan in place, if this happens again would you call an ambulance or is it her wish to accept no more medical intervention? It may be a good time for a hospice evaluation, that would give you access to a nurse's advice and guidance at times like this 🤗
2. With dementia it is possible to get into a very deep sleep. (There were times when it was difficult to awaken my Husband)
Is mom on Hospice? Might be a good idea. you will get help as well as supplies and equipment that will make caring for her safer and easier.
Is mom a "full code" of has a "DNR" or POLST been signed? If not I encourage a "POLST or DNR" (POLST is more detailed and complete then a DNR)
Trying CPR on almost anyone will probably result in broken ribs, cracked sternum, possibly punctured lungs. Any of these difficult for anyone to recover from let alone an older person with dementia. (I would also discourage IV's for hydration and tube feeding for nutrition.)
Do you have a blood pressure machine? Amazon sells, for under 30.00, a good Omron (nurses love the brand) automatic machine that is simple to use to measure BP and pulse.
Another 20.00 would get you a little finger clip on O2 oximeter to check oxygenation of the blood.
If you intend to do any heroic measures, such as EMT, then abnormals on those in these circumstances would indicate you need to take action to call 911.
I so agree with cwillie that it is time to make a plan now for end of life, and what interventions your Mom would want, or that you think wise. It may be time for Hospice assessment as well, as was suggested.
Good luck.
If your mother's not on hospice, call her doctor this morning for advise. Personally, I wouldn't move her to a hospital because of the stress and noise it could cause her. I recommend having the medical pros guide you.
Is she on a new medication that may have zonked her out?
Do you have an end of life plan in place, if this happens again would you call an ambulance or is it her wish to accept no more medical intervention?
It may be a good time for a hospice evaluation, that would give you access to a nurse's advice and guidance at times like this 🤗