AboutMargot RN BScN CGN Expertise I nursed my own Mother and Grandmother at home when they were dying so I have personal experience with the emotions involved. I have also spent the last 15+ years as a Registered Nurse caring for The Elderly and Terminally Ill and it has brought me great satisfaction. I am willing to answer any questions I can.
Experience
Past/Present clients Hundreds of Long Term Care Residents as well as hundreds of Cleitns and families in the community (including my Mother and Grandmother).
Question I have my 86 year old mother living with me now and she is completely bedridden since breaking her leg (Dr. didn't recommend surgery and leg hasn't mended any). She was originally placed in a nursing care facility and was hospitalized with dehydration and signs of a stroke. She can no longer speak except the say yes and no sometimes. Doctors gave her 3 weeks when she left the hospital and came to live with me - that was approx. 14 weeks ago. She has dementia (diagnosed a few years ago) and now I'm having problems getting her to eat. I've been putting a powdered protein in her ensure and she seemed to be improving. However, now I'm having problems getting her to drink this. It takes me several hours to get an entire drink in her and sometimes she acts like she is about to gag. My question is is there anything else I can do? She doesn't want a feeding tube so I want to make sure I do everything humanly possible to make sure she doesn't suffer or that she isn't hungry.
Thanks for any advice.
Densie
Answer Hi Denise and thanks for writing,
You obviously love your Mother very much and are willing to do anything to keep her comfortable and safe, she is very lucky to have you.
If your Mom can only drink fluids (I assume you've gone from solids, to cut-up, to puree to fluids), then there is not much more can do than assist her to drink every two hours during the day (better to encourage several small meals than try to force a few large ones).
You can add protein powders; I have used a Carbohydrate powder 'Polycose' with a lot of success too. You might try freezing the ensure in custard cups and seeing if she enjoys eating it like ice cream.
Her body may be trying to slowly shut down, and as sad as it is, we must not fight it. Simply keep her dry and comfortable, assist her to drink as much as she tolerates, and help do Range of Motion exercises 2-3 times a day to prevent muscle cramps or contractures. This is the kindest thing you can do for her.
