End Stage

hiker88 · September 6

Hi. Mom is 86 had Alzheimer’s for 8 or 9 years maybe more. She is definitely in late/end stage. She sleeps 90% of the time. Been non verbal for over a year at least. Getting frail. Is this possibly a sign that this is close to end? My sister lives the closest so I don’t get to see her a lot. And don’t get much feedback. Any insight or personal experience is appreciated. TIA

towhee · September 9

Welcome to the discussion boards. You might want to post in the Caring for a Parent section, this board does not get a lot of traffic.

In my experience weight loss was the most noticeable sign. Is your mom on hospice? She sounds like she would qualify, due to the non verbal and getting frail. An experienced hospice nurse can often, but not always, tell when someone is in the stage called "active dying". when the person would only have a few days or hours left.

hiker88 · September 11

No. She’s not in hospice. My sister doesn’t feel she needs to since she’s in a facility that can check on these things. I know she’s definitely gone a level down from what I have been told. She is rarely awake now. Thanks for the reply.

Colacho10 · September 11

It is a very individual thing, but those are some common signs of the late or end stage of the disease. They don't always mean the end is imminent. For some people, this stage can last for months or even a year or more. It is not uncommon for someone to plateau in this phase.

I bet you feel isolated because you don't get much feedback from your sister. I hope you can sort it out.

hiker88 · September 13

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/253265#Comment_253265

Thank you for replying. Yes it’s been tough but I’m sure seeing Mom decline in person is harder. When I see pictures of Mom, her skin is all flaky and has little what I think were once sores. Always something with a bandage on it. Glazed look when she’s awake it seems. Her skin looks kind of flushed and I don't know I can’t describe it. I just know if Mom knew what was happening to her, she would not want to leave this earth like this. Just absolutely horrible. Thanks again.

Colacho10 · September 16

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/253429#Comment_253429

It's certainly heartbreaking to see someone you love go through that. Those skin issues are often part of the body shutting down. It's hard to see, but it's important she is not in pain.

Maybe it would be easier for you and your sister if you got hospice care involved. Whatever you decide. But it is a hard situation, and I am sorry I don't have anything comforting to say. Life can be hard, man… Try to take care of yourself and do what you can for your mom. Some things you just can not change.

hiker88 · September 16

thank you. Truly one of the most horrible diseases. I just pray she goes to be with my dad very soon.

End Stage

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