Odd later stage dementia habits

[MrsLev16]

Hi, this is my first time posting and I find all of the threads on here very helpful.
My 93 year old grandfather is in the last stages of dementia, he is refusing to eat and drink and take any medication. We have been told that they are putting him on end of life care. On a visit today he kept holding a napkin to his mouth for a majority of our time there and I wasn't sure why. I was wondering if anyone else's loved ones do/did this xxx

 

[Izzy]

Welcome to the forum @MrsLev16.

I’m sorry to hear about your grandfather. Much of what you mention is similar to how my husband was when he was on end of life care. I don’t recognise the thing with the napkin but others may.

I’m glad you’ve found this forum and hope you find being here a support and a comfort.

 

[Collywobbles]

Refusing food and drink is characteristic of end stage dementia, although some do rally and begin again. It’s very unpredictable. Maybe holding the napkin to his mouth is an emphasis that he doesn’t want to eat or drink now.

 

[karaokePete]

Just a thought, but has a check of teeth, gums etc been made in case it's pain that's causing the issues, including the napkin thing!

 

[Pollywobble]

I'm sorry to hear your grandfather has reached this stage. I don't know if it is the same as your grandfather, but my man likes to put something like his sheet against his mouth. He says he just likes something there. It's like a comfort thing for him. Maybe the napkins are for comfort. My man has started keeping handkerchiefs handy, mainly to wipe his mouth.