I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the end stage Parkinson's Disease. My Dad seems to be declining very fast and with each day it picks up speed. Before Christmas he was struggling but his mind was fine. We'd have conversations and I would take him to the doctor. He was eating by himself though I was preparing the food. In other words, he was still my Dad. But in the last week, he seems to have slipped away from me. And now he is just sleeping all the time. So much so that I can't get his Parkinson's meds into him. When he is awake, he's agitated all the time and seeing things that aren't there. He's been yelling at me though I have recently realized he's not actually yelling at me, he thinks I am someone else. It's become near impossible to get him to do anything or even help him to do anything. Is this what I can expect? I called in hospice over the weekend and we have everything we need, I would appreciate hearing anyone else's experience. I thought I was prepared for this, but now I am not so sure.
It is so hard to watch them change and so rapidly at times. This time for me has been so gut wrenching and so much heart ache too. I am glad I am close with his PD dr as she is a great support on how to handle Dad and his needs. She agrees it is time for him to go to Assisted Living. Big Hugs
I experienced this with my dad a few years ago. His diagnosis was Alzheimer's but the symptoms sound identical. He was on a roller coaster for almost six months. We would have days of bedside vigil's, last rights, the works. He would then sit up, completely coherent, wondering what all the fuss was about and why hadn't anyone brought him a cup of tea! I was a deflated bundle of raw nerves when he finally slipped away peacefully.
In hindsight, there's two things I wish I had access to at the time; this forum and a book I just read, "With the End in Mind: Dying, Death and Wisdom in an Age of Denial" by Kathryn Mannix.
Coincidentally the author was interviewed today on my local station.
rte.ie/radio/utils/radioplayer/rteradioweb.html#!rii=b9%5F21318905%5F19148%5F15%2D02%2D2018%5F
Have a listen, I think your might find it helpful. And feel free to message me if you would like to chat. Take care.
I could only hope for such a peaceful passing for someone who bore this horrible illness with such dignity.
They will help you with this difficult time.
They will help provide supplies and medications needed. You will have a team of people to help you and the entire family. From a Nurse, CNA, Social Worker and Chaplain if you wish.
You will how to prepare for the phases that are to come.
Their goal is to help provide comfort and relieve pain.