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End Stage Of Dementia, On Feeding Tube For Several Years. Can The Process Of Death Be Easier?
My 89-year old mother is in a nursing home in a small town in Mo. with what has been called end-stage dementia. She has been on a feeding tube for about 7 years, does not communicate in any way, and has some discomfort (bedsores and coughing she can't control). My sister and I are thinking of transferring her to a hospice in Memphis and removing the feeding tube. My only reservation is concern that Mother might suffer hunger, thirst or other discomfort. How long does it take a person who cannot eat or drink to die, and does the person suffer? Can the hospice make the process painless?
Thank you.
Thank you.
Mon, 22 Jul 2013
as per our law (medical ethics) we are bound to help the patients (people) to treat their illness,
euthanasia is the decision is made against the patient's wishes or without the patient's consent.
euthanasia is illegal so i will not give any advise except that have faith in god that god will help her to die painlessly.
your duty is her care, so do it very well.
thanks and good wishes..
euthanasia is the decision is made against the patient's wishes or without the patient's consent.
euthanasia is illegal so i will not give any advise except that have faith in god that god will help her to die painlessly.
your duty is her care, so do it very well.
thanks and good wishes..
I find this answer helpful
Hi.
I can empathize with you on this and i understand the kind of stress that you must be going through.
The end stage of dementia is extremely taxing, both for the physical health of the sufferer as well as the mental health of the caregivers. We term the latter as caregivers' burden.
In all probabilities, your mother is unable to feel hunger or thirst. However, instituting a timetable for feeding her will certainly be beneficial. Giving frequent feeds in small amounts, ensuring that the feed is nutrient rich according to the general medical condition of her's will be nice. Also ensure the bed sores are taken care of, with the institution of a water bed, frequent change of posture etc. and local wound care.
'Mercy killing' is a very controversial topic and you will have to get in touch with the local authorities to know about the prevalent laws there.
Regarding you and your sister, i would advice a psychiatric consultation so you can take care of yourself as well, for that will benefit you mother indirectly. Some relaxation techniques might be helpful for you both.
Hope this helps, and hope your mother has a peaceful life.
Regards
Dr A Rao Kavoor
I can empathize with you on this and i understand the kind of stress that you must be going through.
The end stage of dementia is extremely taxing, both for the physical health of the sufferer as well as the mental health of the caregivers. We term the latter as caregivers' burden.
In all probabilities, your mother is unable to feel hunger or thirst. However, instituting a timetable for feeding her will certainly be beneficial. Giving frequent feeds in small amounts, ensuring that the feed is nutrient rich according to the general medical condition of her's will be nice. Also ensure the bed sores are taken care of, with the institution of a water bed, frequent change of posture etc. and local wound care.
'Mercy killing' is a very controversial topic and you will have to get in touch with the local authorities to know about the prevalent laws there.
Regarding you and your sister, i would advice a psychiatric consultation so you can take care of yourself as well, for that will benefit you mother indirectly. Some relaxation techniques might be helpful for you both.
Hope this helps, and hope your mother has a peaceful life.
Regards
Dr A Rao Kavoor
I find this answer helpful
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