Expert: Paula Damgaard - 1/13/2010

Question
My grandmother is in stage 7 and has been there for 2 - 3 years.  I was just told that she is not eating.  The Dr. has given her some medication to get her to eat.  They said that she wasn't eating because of a UTI.  Does this sound right?, or is she just at the end of stage 7?
Thanks

Answer
hi Corey,

It never ceases to amaze me what people tell people.  She may just not be eating cause she has had enough!.  I truly believe that people no matter how demented reach a point where they have had enough.  

Are they treating her for a UTI?  if so then why are they giving her medicine to stimulate her appetite if it is due to UTI?  Seems like antibiotics to clear that up would be enough to make her eat.  

Either way, I would not allow them to do so much to her.  Your goal should be to give her as much Quality of life that you can.  Being careful not to just do things to give her Quantity.  Old people used to get pneumonias or other infections and then die from those and these were called the "Old People's Friend" because they were an easy way for them to die, no pain.  Now because we have so many high powered antibiotics we are giving people quantity of life with no regard to quality.  

Hope this answers your question.  Please let me know if you need anything else.  Paula