Parent on Hospice now has thrush

HeyDforDaughter

Hello All, Ma has been relatively stable even while on hospice and her dementia issues are not at the forefront as before. So, thought as her 24/7 caregivers, my spouse and I had time to exhale but then she developed oral thrush (also doesn't wear her dentures anymore). They put her on nystatin but it's hard to make her "swish and swallow," as directed. And she is not open to putting a swab in her mouth (no pun intended) at least by me. I'm hoping the CNA who comes (weekly) tomorrow can try since Ma is more apt to when someone else does it first. Anyway, just wondering if anyone has any experience with this and if so, can you share any tips and tricks. Also, any suggestions on food etc. to prevent thrush. The only catch is she needs to eat high calorie food (doesn't like Ensure or Boost) since she has been losing lots of weight so eliminating foods with sugar may not be in cards. Thanks in advance for any advice or support.

harshedbuzz

Would she be a candidate for Diflucan? That might be easier to get her to take than a rinse.

HeyDforDaughter

Hi harshedbuzz, Thank you. I will ask about Difulcan. I'm not sure how many days until any improvement on Nystatin can be seen. She has a course for 7 days. 10 ml x 3 times a day.

M1

HB took the words right out of my mouth. Diflucan is a pill that could be crushed, mixed in applesauce or a milkshake, likely to be much more effective than topical Nystatin. Safe, too. Probably 2-3 doses would do the trick, though you may have to watch for recurrence and retreat.

Jo C.

Long ago, I developed oral thrush after a course of antibiotics; the Nystatin rinse and swish multiple times a day was a burden to say the least and it took SO long for it to be effective.

However; as has been mentioned, taking Diflucan, only two to three doses; single pill form that can be put into food or shake, etc. as M1 said, can be much easier and very effective. Check with the Hospice RN, they should be able to assess and assist with this.

J.

HeyDforDaughter

Thank you all!