My 85 year old Granny has been in hospice care since May 2018 after she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She pretty much doesn't eat anything and is down to 69 pounds, she may eat a couple of junior mints or some candy, but she won't eat any food. She just asked me yesterday for beer, do you think the hospice nurses will allow her to have beer? My concern is the alcohol interacting with her medications, but the beer would provide her with needed calories.
Has anyone else experienced this? Did you get the their requested beer/alcohol?
I know this stuff is so hard. And we just want them to enjoy something like that. But I'd definitely ask. Even one beer will interact with the meds.
I wish you the best with your Dad. And I'm sending "virtual" love and support over the internet. I'm pretty new and still not sure how to navigate through everything. But I'd like to know if Dad gets a smile out of the simple pleasure of drinking a beer. Hang in there!!
But, that little bit I was able to wangle, did help.
If you are able to do a bit of research on what meds she's taking, and what possible reactions would result, it might help with decision making. Either way.
An extreme example - Say she is usually alert and active for dinner, but the beer and meds make her fall asleep in her plate. They then take her to the hospital because they cannot fully wake her. It is much better to be up front.
To be on the "Safe Side", get a doctor's order for "One Half to One can of Beer every 24 hours PRN".
So my Uncle had a 'half' after his light tea (Sandwich, jelly etc.)
I would think they adjusted his meds too, but anything he wanted meant MEDS too.
For goodness they, they are dying.
So they just as well die comfortable and as happy as you can make them.
They were such lovely people.
My grandmother was in hospice and came home and asked for a drink, Oh No it might kill her. She was dying. Give her a beer.
I think you misunderstand my point. It is important to work with the care staff, case nurse, and doctor to let them know what you are doing. Beer can become part of the care plan. Staff may believe something to be physically wrong if alcohol and drugs interact and they are not aware of the alcohol.