Hi I am new to the forum. It makes me feel better to know I am not the only one going through this. My mother came home on hospice with dementia 3 weeks ago. They gave her less than a month. Health wise she has gotten really strong but her mind is all mixed up. She talks all night long. Stays up for 3 days and nights. I am not ready to give morphine because I don't feel she is ready. The Ativan helps a lot. I won't give her any more of that habdol after I read the side effects. I guess I just want to know others go through the same thing
Maybe pain keeps her awake?
Maybe… YOU aren’t ready for these meds, because it’s more confirmation that her end is nigh?
This is not the time to keep any med from her that could calm or ease pain. EVERYTHING we ingest has potential side effects. Air, water, any food, any drinks.
Hospice wouldn't be recommending these meds unless mom needed them. Giving them now would be the kindest course, in my opinion.
FYI, my husband, who has dementia, is in hospice care, and what I'm recommending to you is what I would do for him. I've also made hospice decisions for my parents in the past.
I'm so very sorry this is happening, and I wish your mom a peaceful transition.
I need sleep ! I need revival as well . I’m on utter burnout exhaustion . Hospice says I should give her atacan every 4 hours but I just feel it’s crazy to do that with all of the other meds she takes. She does get morophine when she has breathing issues. She is now refusing to take her breathing treatments and meds. I don’t know where to turn or what to do ???? I’m in a severe depression with all if this. I can’t even have any free time. I can’t take her out it’s just waaay too hard and dangerous. She starts screaming and yelling at me in a store and it causes a scene . So I even order groceries etc to be delivered . She goes to memory care twice a week for 4 hrs. It’s so hard getting her ready and she fights like hell and doesn’t want to go . I’m going crazy and I’m in a severe depression myself . This is so hard. I don’t know how others get through this ..
Ativan, et al does not work for him - so be grateful you have that. Morphine and Haladol are good for him.
I've gone through the motions and you need to realize she will no longer be able to advise you she is ready for morphine. Morphine can be used adhoc to simply ease her burden. I’m mid 50’s and don’t have dementia but if I’m up for 3 days and talking … someone please give me morphine! That behavior along with other aspects of dementia should be thought of as pain. That may help you get there with helping your mom.
She no longer can help herself in that manner. You are her trusted person. Sending you all the positive vibes to have the strength to get you through.
Best of luck to you.
Lately, I have been leaving the light on overnight. It seems to help calm his anxiety.
I think the darkness feels so lonely and isolating, and with dementia, not being able to see your surroundings can be a bit scary. The light is bright and cheery, and feels like daytime.
Can you get an aide in to sit with her overnights? Just someone she can talk to and feel not alone. You need to get your rest so you can stay strong for her.
If the hospice nurse recommends Morphine, go with the Morphine.
best wishes.