Sleeping 24/7 and refusing to eat

Anita D

I am the sole caregiver for my 82 year old mother, and new here, but I am extremely worried about my mom because she is sleeping 24/7 and refusing to eat. I have reached out to her doctor but doesn't really seem to be concerned, which also worries me. Mom has also started having a lot of hallucinations and having conversations with people who are not really there. I guess my biggest concern is that she is late stage and dying. I pray to God it's not, I'm not ready to lose her. Any suggestions, comments, or help/support will be greatly appreciated.

Marta

Get your mom on Hospice. Ask her doctor for a referral or call a hospice agency yourself. They can be tremendously helpful.

mommyandme (m&m)

I’m so sorry for the circumstances that bring you here, but welcome! I agree with Marta. Please get a hospice evaluation for your mom, soon, today. In saying that I want you to know that hospice coming on board for a dementia patient isn’t always about imminent death or even the typical 6 mos or less to live. I know because my mom was on home hospice for almost two years. Maybe your mom has something like a “silent UTI” or another physical issue besides dementia affecting her this way. Regardless of the reasons for her decline, a hospice team will be a valuable extra support system that you’ll be thankful for. Many wish they would have gotten hospice involved much sooner than they did. Please don’t hesitate in giving them a call. A nurse will come to your home and make an assessment. They’ll be there for you and your mom and hopefully she’ll rally back to you.