I wish I found this forum years ago but at least I am here now. My mum is 86 was diagnosed 12 years or so ago and has been in the 'late stages' now for at least 7 years. My father could not cope and she was put into a care home where I have not seen her out of bed now for about 6 years. She is on statins and painkillers, rarely opens her eyes, makes no noise at all. Is skeletal and contorted through arthritis. But she breathes.. and I really do feel that is as as good as it gets. Sometimes she also coughs. I used to feed her chocolate buttons but stopped about two years ago through fear of choking her
I spoke to her Gp about 8 months ago asking for her to be taken off the meds but after consulting a solicitor he said no. She has had bouts of Pneumonia which they treat with antibiotics and she continues to breathe. They assist her to eat by pulling lightly on her jaw and she swallows the pureed food. I have queried the practice but the GP told me it is not force feeding as she has no bruises. Heartless, I thought. But his criteria not mine.
I feel so helpless in this, there is no way my mother would have wanted this and I struggle to visit now as it is so awful.
Is there anything I can do?
I spoke to her Gp about 8 months ago asking for her to be taken off the meds but after consulting a solicitor he said no. She has had bouts of Pneumonia which they treat with antibiotics and she continues to breathe. They assist her to eat by pulling lightly on her jaw and she swallows the pureed food. I have queried the practice but the GP told me it is not force feeding as she has no bruises. Heartless, I thought. But his criteria not mine.
I feel so helpless in this, there is no way my mother would have wanted this and I struggle to visit now as it is so awful.
Is there anything I can do?