I'm not hungry

Domestic Diva

Hello!  My LO Mom lives with me and my husband and son in PA.  After a recent bout with the flu, my LO is sleeping MORE and MORE.  I don't mind except that in the past 2 weeks, she has dropped 7 pounds because even though I wake her for meals, she states "I'm not hungry" after eating about 5 bites if I'm lucky.  I try to sneak in a chocolate milkshake (Ensure) whenever possible but even that is met with just a few sips.  If left to her own accord, she would sleep 20-22 hours per day.  (I tested this theory one day)  That certainly leaves little time for eating, let alone anything else like exercise, dressing and bathing.  Thoughts?  Tricks? Ideas to keep awake?

SusanB-dil

Hi DomesticD - not sure what stage LO is in, but maybe call for a hospice evaluation?  also, tell her doc what's happening, see what doc says.

MN Chickadee

Yes, do consult her doctor to rule out any other issues like UTI. 

Probably not what you want to hear but this sounds pretty typical for end stage dementia. You might want to have a hospice evaluation. Something like the flu (or other infections or seemingly minor health events) can really put a PWD into a tailspin and accelerate the disease and they can't rebound like normal. You can keep offering food and drink but she probably won't start taking it. It sounds like perhaps she has progressed beyond getting up to exercise. Ensure may help her along for a while, people can live longer than seems possible on small amounts of calories when they aren't moving much. Hospice staff are experts at helping the person stay clean and comfortable at this stage. They would send someone to bathe her (either sponge bath in bed or giver her an actual shower depending on her ability) and other professionals to make sure she is as comfortable as possible and provide medical equipment you may need, medications, and other services. It is covered by Medicare and no cost to you.  I am sorry you are dealing with this. I am in the same position; my LO had Covid and can't recover. The extra stress on the body from infection was too much to come back from. I know how much of a shock it is to realize they are on the last leg of the journey. 

mommyandme (m&m)

Im on the “get a hospice evaluation” team. Even if she’s not end stage they will be a valuable level of added support. My mother has been on hospice for a year and she still eats. Just saying, getting them involved is not a death sentence. Yet, you can rest assured she’s getting the best care possible. 

I’m sorry this is your present life. 

Domestic Diva

WOW.  Thank you all for your input.  Yes, my fear is that she is nearing that "end phase" as well.  Her mother layed in her bed for years, eating very little as well.  I'm just got off phone with Office of Aging for an evaluation.  Again, so nice to have you to all reply.