Expert: Michalene Peticca - 4/8/2008

Question
A few weeks ago my 83 year old mom who is in the late stags of dementia quit eating and drinking. After a few days we took her to her doc and he hospitalized her. Blood pressure was 78/32 and she was diagnosed with renal failure. After 5 days on and off of IV they suggested rehab in a nursing facility where she has been for 6 days. She is back to not eating and drinking and I am wondering how long she can last doing this. Is it time to bring her home with Hospice?

Answer
Hello Roseanne,

I am very sorry to hear about your mom's condition.  I'm sure it has been a long road for her and your family with her dementia.

Unfortunately, renal failure is common in the late stages of dementia.  And, as you know, Dementia is a progressive brain disease that will not improve.  Thus, the severity of brain deterioration in later stages will "shut down" many of the body's functions.

I cannot give you a definative answer on how many times her body can withstand going in and out of the hospital & IVs....but, i do know that each time it will be more and more taxing on her system.  

However, it is truly an ethical question about allowing this to continue or placing her on hospice.  

I strongly suggest to families that they provide the comfort & care that they feel their loved one (your mom) would have wanted for themselves. Hopefully your mother had a living will?

If you have any questions or concerns about hospice, i would recommend you discuss this with a priest/pastor and/or physician so they may help you make any decisions.  

I'm sure you will make the right decision.

Best Regards,

Michalene Peticca, M.A.