Dad on hospice - on decline - use of Ativan for restlessness - your experience with hospice?

HeyDforDaughter

Hello all, Dad with dementia and on hospice is showing recent decline. On oxygen for 1st time (2 liters). I reported to Hospice nurse that he keeps bobbing his head up and down and pulls at clothes. She suggested a dose (.5 mg) of Ativan and observe if it helps. He takes water and some spoonfuls of yogurt but other than this does not eat. Very thin now. Has been like this for a few days. Anyway, anyone had experience using Ativan during these same circumstances? How did you deal with everything during these these same circumstances of decline? Anything else I should be doing? Thank you in advance.

MN Chickadee

Yes ativan is common in the final descent. It's part of the comfort pack of drugs that hospice uses. They will likely eventually add morphine and something for secretions and gurgly breathing and possibly more meds depending on how he is doing. They are very good at providing comfort. A person can go many days on just a few calories. My mother lived 5 days after stopping eating entirely. The end was excruciating for me to watch but it was a blessing to be with her as she left this world. Each minute seemed to last forever. Make sure you get breaks. My mother decided to go when I left the room and while I was sad to not be there that must have been what she wanted. Make a quiet comfortable atmosphere. Dim lights. My mother was very musical so I put quiet music on, her favorite classical music and church hymns. Tell your dad what is in your heart. Be careful touching him, make it very light as the skin is extremely sensitive and delicate. Much touch and movement seemed to pain her so very gentle with touch. I'm sorry you are going through this.

HeyDforDaughter

Thank you MN Chickadee. I didn't know about the touch aspect. Your information and insight is very helpful. Means a lot.