AboutMargot RN BScN GNC Expertise GERONTOLOGY (NURSING ISSUES RELATED TO THE ELDERY) I have 15+ years experience working with the elderly. I would be pleased to offer any assistance I can. My areas of expertise include: Gerontology / Geriatrics, Long Term Care, Community Nursing, Palliative Care, Private Nursing Services, Intermediate / Extended Care. I also have a personal interest in Homeopathic and Eastern Medicine. If I can not answer your question I`ll do my best to direct you to an appropriate resource. Thank you.
Experience I have fifteen years experience in Gerontological Nursing both in the community, and in Long Term Care. I have worked as a General Duty Nurse, a Nurse Manager, and a Nursing Consultant in Long Term Care and Community Nursing.I have a great deal of experience working with, assessing, and educating in the field of Gerontology (Nursing the Elderly). I am familiar with the challenges associated with Dementia (Alzheimer's), Chronic and Terminal illnesses. Experience in the area 20 years of Long Term Care and Community Nursing, specialising in Geriatrics, Gerontology and PalliativeCare.
Education/Credentials Registered Nurse , Certified Gerontological Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Question Our 89 year old mother has senile dementia. She is now bedridden and has full time care. She hardly opens her eyes anymore, and speaks only occasionally, and when she does it doesn't make sense. She has stopped eating solids completely but will ingest fluids a few times a day. We give her Ensure as one of her fluids alternated with clear soups and fresh fruit juices. Her heart and blood pressure are normal, and besides agitation she seems to not be suffering. The doctor told us it could be days or it could be months with her in this condition. It is extremely difficult to watch her as she has no quality of life. She is getting good nursing care with the appropriate moving, rubbing ect but has been in this state for over six weeks, would you be able to give us an idea of how long she can go on without food and should we encourage her to drink as much as possible or simply enough to stop her getting dehydrated?
Answer Hello Hayley and thanks for writing,
Unfortunately there is no simple formula to prognose “how long” although of course everyone’s loved ones always want to know. There are so many influencing factors like genetics, previous health history, medications, etc …
My only advice is to continue with the wonderful, loving care she’s receiving and leave the rest up to nature. Provide fluids as she desires them, encourage but do not force, and accept some days will be weaker than others – your Mom’s daily strength will be the guide for how much she can tolerate one day to the next.
Just keep loving her and keeping her comfortable as long as she is with you, and then when she does pass on you’ll know you did everything you could to promote a dignified death in an environment of peace and comfort.
