Hospice Rollercoaster

WhatNow?

After a number of falls and not allowing the staff at mom's MC care for her, she ended up in a Geriatric Psych unit, which only took 3 ER visits in about 5 days.

Mom spent about 2 weeks in the hospital and they did treat her for a bladder infection and get her stable on meds.  

When she came out, she was no longer physically strong enough for MC and was sent to the Nursing home. She was barely able to walk prior to going into the Hospital and now she hasn't walked since she got out.  Also, she has continued to not really want to eat or drink. Only usually eating a bite or two, even of some of her favorite snacks.     

We did call in hospice and she was accepted.  I love the fact that we now have more eyes on her.  Hospice started the 8th of November and on the 22nd we got a phone call that mom had declined even more and couldn't be awaken and was having issues breathing. There were times that 45 seconds went by before she took another breath.  We went to be by her side, not knowing if this would be our last day with her or not.   While all of this was happening we let all the family know what was going on and told them to call if they wanted to share anything with her/us.  It was great hearing all the stories they shared about growing up with her, what they learned from her, and how they enjoyed her.  By the late afternoon she had stabilized and was even opening her eyes and took a few sips of water.  

Well two days later Mom's sister was able to come up for a visit.  She hadn't been able to see her in a few years due to her own health issues.  Mom actually had a great day and was up, with eyes open, smiling, even telling people she loved them in a soft voice when they hugged her and said it to her.  She was this way for at least 5 hours that day; for her sisters entire visit.  Mom even drank a ton of water.  Friday she was exhausted and could barely keep her eyes open and I noticed the same thing Saturday afternoon.  By Sunday evening she was back at it, eyes open, talking even if it is to herself and smiling, all while still not eating or drinking much.  

Today she apparently decided she was hungry and ate a large breakfast and even a second yogurt and was smiling, humming, and happy.  

From what I understand, these swings in physical status are typical at this point, but they may be the death of me.  To watch someone be at what you think is death's door and then to rebound so significantly is very emotionally exhausting.  I'm just trying to focus on her being happy and hoping that when her time does come it is swift and this does not drag out for a long time.  Again, as with this whole journey, it would be nice to be able to see the future.

It has been about 3 years since she was diagnosed, and probably another 3 since we started to notice changes in her memory.