Input requested for oxygen use on very late stage dementia

Vitruvius

I’m sorry if this question is inappropriate for this forum but it asks a question about very end stage dementia and I thought those her might be more knowledgeable and willing to provide some insight. I has also posted this question on the spousal caregiver forum.

My DW has been in Stage 7f for about a year. She is minimally conscious and I am told that her cognition at this point consists mainly of core brain stem functions, her only obvious action is a primitive feeding response. She makes no other movements or responses to any outside activity. She has been starting to exhibit signs of aspiration and now anything she eats or drinks must be thickened to the consistency of honey.

Last week my DW started to exhibit very purple hands and toes. Hospice has determined she needs to begin receiving oxygen continuously. They described this as something to provide her with comfort, not rehabilitation in any way.

I am interested in any insight from anyone who’s LO received oxygen solely for very, very late stage dementia. I know at my DW’s MCF a there are a few are receiving oxygen but for other comorbidities not solely for dementia related decline. Those individuals are obviously ill, stage 6 or 7, with whatever condition they are receiving the oxygen for, but they are not someone in Stage 7f with no other comorbidities. 

Is this needlessly extending her abject misery, or is it truly providing end stage comfort care? Any comments are welcome. 

JulietteBee

My answer is the same here, as there. Professionally speaking, in your wife's case, oxygen is a comfort measure, not a therapeutic one. It will NOT extend her life.

Trust me, you will absolutely regret not affording it to her if you are at her bedside, watching her die from air hunger. It is a horrible death to passively observe, and a horrible death to inflict on a loved one…ijs

fmb

My husband received oxygen for only the last 5 days of his life. He did have other comorbidities, but by that point all body systems were failing. His hospice team said that it was for comfort care only. It kept him from having to gasp for air, making him more comfortable. It did not extend his life.

howhale

Anything and everything hospice can recommend at this stage let them apply to ensure the comfort of your loved one. Make their last days, hours, minutes as peaceful as possible and it will allow your memories afterwards of those final moments as good as can be.