My mother has just been put onto palliative care as she is not eating or drinking, has no communication with anyone now. How long can this stage last?
This stage can last a surprisingly long time. My mum survived for 17 days with no food or water, but it is not usually this long.
Their body is slowly shutting down and they dont need any food/fluid anymore - in fact their body can no longer process it.
You are into the last long vigil and the waiting is horrible. Use this time to say the things that your mum needs to hear - hearing is the last thing to go, even if she can no longer respond. Tell her you love her, that you forgive her, thank her for the things she has done, tell her it is OK to go. Play her favourite music, put salve on her dry lips and cream on her dry kin.
You will know when you are reaching the very end as her breathing will change and her limbs will go cold.
((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))) Holding your virtual hand through this time.