Late stage/seventh stage care

CatsWithHandsAreTrouble

I'm fairly sure mom's completely in the last stage now, no longer straddling six and seven. I'm trying to find resources on what exactly her care needs are for this stage in life because it's vastly different than anything I've been through before. I have tried some web searches but they all seem rather vague and general which doesn't help me know what to do next.

Like, the websites I've found say they need 24 hour care. What is that care? What does that entail? Hospice said that she doesn't need that yet. So who's right? How would I know?

Does anyone have resources that are more indepth that they can point me to? I'm so stressed out thinking that I'm not doing it right and feel like I'm neglecting something important.

JeriLynn66

If your Mom is active still at night, if she is agitated, restless, not sleeping, attempting to get out of bed, etc are indicators of a need for a nighttime caregiver; if only for your peace of mind and/or your ability to get rest.

I’m sorry for this situation. And, everything you are trying to do is right .

DCCEPEK

Carimg for MIL same scenario. I do keep her arms and legs and privates clean.

Using lotions opposed to soap help with molting. Keep em dry and if you can change position. to me most important is clean and dry diaper. My heart goes out to ya. It's hard. Keep posting and reading. This is a very informative forum

CatsWithHandsAreTrouble

@JeriLynn66 not mom, no. She's completely bed bound now and can only wiggle her feet. Doesn't react to much but occasionally tracks movement. She used to roll around and slide out the bottom of the bed or stick her feet in the railing just a few weeks ago.

Thanks @DCCEPEK . I seem to be the only one who applies lotion to her; at least my younger sister does chapstick for her. We just switched to incontinence underwear that has tabs on the side so we can change her in bed. I can't change mom's position often because of my wrists being poor but we have an inflatable mattress that should help deter pressure sores.

I kinda wish the site change last year didn't get rid of the years of posts because I cannot find any remotely helpful these days. Maybe I'm picky.

JDancer

Be sure to check the inflatable mattress daily. If it's a waffle type, with large dimples, that lays on top of the bed, slide your hand under the mattress near her bottom. You should be able to feel her through approximately 1-2 inches of air. It's tempting to over inflate waffle mattress overlays.

GothicGremlin

Hey @CatsWithHandsAreTrouble have you had your mom evaluated for hospice care? I couldn't tell from your post if you had done that.

If you haven't done so, think about having your mom evaluated. If they accept her, it'll make a world of difference for you - and her.

I've had Peggy on hospice for a month. It's been so great for both of us.

CatsWithHandsAreTrouble

@GothicGremlin yep, we've had hospice for about as long as you and Peggy. They have given us a lot of equipment that makes it easier to care for mom.

@JDancer thanks for the info about over inflation. I let the delivery guy set it up and assumed it was fine. I'll pass the message along to my older sister who's watching mom today while I work.

CatsWithHandsAreTrouble

Well I guess my concern is practically a moot point now. Hospice said she's probably in her last week of life. Just making sure she's comfortable, clean, and such

JDancer

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/193183#Comment_193183

I was referring to an inflatable waffle overlay. If you have a large inflatable mattress, my information will not apply.

CatsWithHandsAreTrouble

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/193260#Comment_193260

My apologies for the confusion in terms; yes, we have a large waffle overlay. Hospice checked it today and they said it was just the right amount