My 82 year old father has been in a nursing home for 2 months. He's been steadily declining for about 6 months now. Loses his mind more often than not, doesn't know where he is, and talks to people he can't see. He's blind, but believes he is seeing things. We have him on comfort measures right now and have cut all his meds down to the bare necessities because of his failing kidney (one kidney).
Anyway, for the past week it seems like all he ever does is sleep. When we visit him, it's very difficult to wake him up. He'll stir, say hi to us, then fall asleep in the middle of whatever he's saying. Every time we visit, which is frequently, he is like this.
My question is, is this an indication that the end is near? It's been so hard to tell with him because he'll be near death, then rally back for a few months. He just needs it to be over. :( I hate to say it, but he's suffering and so miserable all the time.
Ask his primary care physician. If he has a mix of various different problems, it may be hard to tell which one is the cause of what's causing it.
You might want to contact hospice, if you haven't already. They will help you through this.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Suzanne
Scorpio - Contact your local hospice and ask if they will come out and meet with you and/or you and your mother. You should also have some background from recent doctor visits to share with hospice. Another thought is to visit your local Senior Center and meet with the social worker there (sans Mom) and talk to them about your needs. They will help guide you in the right direction as well. It would be nice if you could get in-home or hospice care depending on the level of skilled care and how much care is going to be required. Best of luck to both of you.
Bless your heart and prayers being sent.