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My dad is pretty much bed ridden, can't make ANY decisions at all for himself, is really chatty (but lost in space), has no sense of THIS reality (lives in his own past/world). His health is "stable" but his mind is gone. He required 24/7 care (he is in an adult family home). I feel sorta lost. I was told he might die tomorrow or live another 1 or 2 years. He is on comfort care only. Not sure WHAT is next.

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Do you know what has caused your father's dementia? Is it Alzheimers, Vascular dementia, Lewy Body, Parkinson's, etc. ? I have read that most types do not advance in the same stages as Alzheimers, but, I'm not so sure. My LO's was in a more stepped down progression, but, she has lost most abilities now and has profound dementia mentally.

What I find amazing is that she has survived, close to the same stage, (wheelchair bound, cannot do anything for herself, except eat) for 3 years. She has outlived several roommates, who started out in much better condition that she was in. They were communicating well, doing things for themselves, no problem with mobility and then they went downhill and passed away within a matter of months. It's so odd how things happen.

I have read that Vascular Dementia average life span is 4 years. We are almost there, but, her physical health seems good. She can't walk, but, propels herself around with her feet in the wheelchair. She seems to have lots of energy, though, she is unfocused.
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My dad say alot of hurtful things and don't seem to care and he get aggressive when he doesnt want to do something he is asked to do. It hard seeing dad act the way he does but it is also hard to leave him when I do he is in a rehab center and seems he is forgotten sometimes and we have to say something, what we hear is that they are short staffed, this is so unfortunate because a lot of patience dont have visitors and are just left and forgotten about. There are so many burnt out staff and they a slacking on the job. My dad can say what is wrong and we can take care of it. The family is so tired from going everyday but you must go to keep the staff on their feet knowing you may show at anytime. My dad was wet all the way to the sheet and the door was shut t.v. off this is not good for a dementia patient dad asked me why did we lock him up in there. So many of us can compare our stories about our love ones.
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Mom has not gotten up to use bathroom, asked for food or dressed herself etcc in 8 ys.... she speaks only when spoken to or when we are doing adl task but can respond! she is not agitated or hallucinating at all and never has. she seems to have been at that stage with not much change for many many years....we are just now getting educated and new drs involved for more understanding but who know at this point the way I see it, it will be another 8 ys before things go south, ha ha, a pun?!!!
good luck!
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It sounds like Dad is in a final stage. Knowing that may not be very helpful because that stage could last a few more days or a few more months or even years. What is next may be the inability to eat and his body shutting down ... but it is very hard to say when that will be.
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i dont suppose anyone knows what will happen. generally a dementia patient will become victim of various infections as the immune system is so compromised.
dementia is considered fatal anyway because various systems depend on the brain for instructions. my mothers digestive system just limps along for instance.
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