I'm helping my parents care for my 91 year old grandmother and it's been a difficult journey over the last year. Just recently she's lost her ability to walk, pick up things and move for the most part. Over the past few days, she's slouching forward and no longer sitting up without help, so today she's become bedridden and the hospice nurses have started morphine to help her constant pain from her bones. In anyone's experience, is there anything I can do to help? I know it's hard on my parents and I can't do much for them or my grandma, but is there anything I could do to help them through this? At this point is she nearing the end of her life?
For your parents, make a poster with family photos that include grandma in happier times.
will hopefully just slip away very peacefully.It is very sad;but beautiful. It is a paradox. I have lost all fear of death as I watched my husband of 55 years leave this earth and transition over to the other side. I am praying for you.
Grandma may want to stop eating, allow her that wish. That means the stomach is unable to process food and if food is given it would be very uncomfortable for her. If Grandma wants water, that is ok with tiny sips unless she aspirates the water [going down the wind pipe].
Holding her hand, stroking her hair, lavender lotion on her arms and legs [my Dad's caregiver did that for my Dad in his final days]. Grandma may eventually go into a coma like state, don't be afraid to talk to her as it's my understand the person is still able to hear as when they lose their other senses, it makes the hearing stronger.
Don't be surprised if Grandma passes when there is no one in the room... some people prefer to pass without an audience. Others want people around. We never know what they prefer. So don't feel guilty if you weren't in the room.... my Dad did that as I felt he didn't want me to witness his transition.
See All Answers