My granddad is 87 and has suffered from dementia/Alzheimer's for more than seven years. His condition has got steadily worse and he has been in a care home for the last three years.
Last week he was taken into hospital after collapsing at his home. It was found that he had become dehydrated and constipated after he stopped drinking/eating enough.
Since being in hospital he has been on an IV drip, although because he kept pulling it out, he is not any more. The staff have been giving him water from a cup with a spout and he has eaten some soft food.
We would be very grateful if anyone who has had a similar experience with a relative could let us know what happened to them. Do people with Alzheimer's start eating or drinking again once they have reached this stage, or is this the end? If so, how long might we expect him to suffer potentially? Is there anything we can do?
Is it worth insisting that he is placed back on a drip, despite the fact it was giving him some discomfort?
Many thanks and best wishes to everyone.
Last week he was taken into hospital after collapsing at his home. It was found that he had become dehydrated and constipated after he stopped drinking/eating enough.
Since being in hospital he has been on an IV drip, although because he kept pulling it out, he is not any more. The staff have been giving him water from a cup with a spout and he has eaten some soft food.
We would be very grateful if anyone who has had a similar experience with a relative could let us know what happened to them. Do people with Alzheimer's start eating or drinking again once they have reached this stage, or is this the end? If so, how long might we expect him to suffer potentially? Is there anything we can do?
Is it worth insisting that he is placed back on a drip, despite the fact it was giving him some discomfort?
Many thanks and best wishes to everyone.