Hello....My 88 yr old mother is nearing the end and she is suffering from Dementia.
- Thread starter TomA
- Start date
This is very typical of dementia behaviour, you are not starving her if you are offering her food and she is refusing it. Is she at home with you, do you get any support.? Maybe have a chat with the GP or Admiral Nurses.
www.dementiauk.org
It might also be worth checking with the Speech and Language Therapy team so that they can check for any issues with swallowing.
What is an Admiral Nurse and how can they help?
Dementia UK is a charity that provides Admiral Nurses for families affected by dementia. Call our Dementia Helpline to find out how we can support you.
www.dementiauk.org
No you are not starving her
I'm afraid that this is what happens when someone with dementia starts to reach the end. Their body starts to shut down (very slowly) and their appitite wanes. This state can go on for several months. Ensure or fortisip can often help
I'm afraid that this is what happens when someone with dementia starts to reach the end. Their body starts to shut down (very slowly) and their appitite wanes. This state can go on for several months. Ensure or fortisip can often help
Part of the process, is that the body gradually starts closing down the digestive system. All resources are diverted to the core physical functions of heart, brain and lungs. If she eats or drinks, it takes very limited resources away from the systems she needs to stay alive.
Stopping eating is a survival mechanism for her body. You have nothing to feel bad about. Putting it baldly, your Mum isn’t dying because she isn’t eating or drinking. She isn’t eating or drinking, because she’s dying.
Stopping eating is a survival mechanism for her body. You have nothing to feel bad about. Putting it baldly, your Mum isn’t dying because she isn’t eating or drinking. She isn’t eating or drinking, because she’s dying.
