I've read so many posts on here, I figured it was my turn.
I'm 33 and my mother's main caregiver. She is in the end stage of CHF and began Hospice in late February. She needs 24/7 care, I can get by with running an errand every now and then or going into work (down the street from her home) for an hour or so but that's about the extent of time I can leave her alone as she is a high fall risk (3 falls in the past 6 months). Just today, the Hospice nurse told me it was most likely a matter of weeks before she passes. Curious if anyone has any advice on what I should be looking for to try to pinpoint a more specific timeline. I am one of 6 siblings but get very little/no help with my mom's care. I haven't told them what the nurse said today but know I will need to relay the information sooner rather than later. One of my sisters is flying in from California tonight and I have a feeling that mom has been hanging on to see her. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Very often, in last days you will not discoloring, dusty extremities, and cooling of extremities as the body moves all defenses into the core. There can be confusion and picking at covers; ask to have medications to bring peace below the level of dreaming when possible.
Again, I am so sorry. And yes, family should be informed of what Hospice has told you. There are no guarantees in this sort of thing. Just let them know what you have been told.