My 92 year old mother has been receiving injections for her macular degeneration for several years. This past year, she had a stroke and is now in stage 6 of dementia and has been on Hospice care for almost 8 months. Should I continue to have her eyes treated to maintain her sight or will stopping at this point create other problems?
Since reading is no longer an option with his dementia, Dads optometrist suggested that I remain watchful at meals to see if dad could recognize the foods he was eating and if he could see where he was going in his walker. He explained that with dads case, he wouldn’t go completely dark but would have foggy spots. this advice has been so helpful. I have not taken dad back for another shot and he seems to be seeing what he needs to see. Since every case is different, please reach out to your moms eye care doc to see what he/she suggests.
Is she is pain when she gets the injection?
Is it safe and easy to transport her to the doctor to get the injection?
Is she compliant at the doctors office or is it a struggle to get her to cooperate?
Is this for both eyes? If not how is the vision in her other eye? Could she manage as she is now with reduced vision or vision in 1 eye?
I think the answers to these questions might make answering your question easier.
She may live another year even on Hospice will she and you be able to manage with the loss of vision in that eye (or both if it is effecting both eyes)
If getting the injections improve or stabilize the quality of her life I would continue, if they don't I would discontinue. But given my points above if it is no longer safe to transport her or if she is not compliant I would discontinue. Getting to the pain issue, pain can be managed either way you decide to go.
Sending support your way!
My Father is 95 and several years ago he had the series of injections once a month.
I believe he had a total of 10.
Anyway, after that he didnt go back and he can see enough to tell who you are and watch TV and even tell if the light is red or green.
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