Hello
A close family member has Alzheimer's for about four years. They have been bed bound for about two years now, cannot move, cannot communicate and are spoon fed.
In the last few weeks they have been refusing food and sometimes water. On average they are eating about 5 tea spoons of food a day (on a good day) maybe yogurt or some buttery mash. Some days barely that and barely any fluid.
What I've found so hard about this journey is the unknown timeline. Another close family member is the sole carer and we have managed to keep family member at their home and in as much comfort as possible - but the toll on the carer is astronomical.
Just looking for experience really, is this 'the end' do we have weeks, months, years?
Thanks
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Dementia and Alzheimer's
Experience of end of life care, stopping eating and timeline.
Zigzagga · 21/12/2023 11:07
DappledOliveGroves · 21/12/2023 19:31
When my mother went onto mouth care only, it was because she was aspirating food and liquids, even thickened water. She also had a chest infection and seemed to be on her way out. However, after a week or so of this, she started trying to "eat the toothpaste" (to be honest, I have no clue why staff were still brushing her teeth at this point but hey go) and they started to up the food again as she was hungry and at this point, she was able to eat again without aspirating the food or drink. I imagine it all depends on the circumstances.
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