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 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.
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.
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.
To be on the "Safe Side", get a doctor's order for "One Half to One can of Beer every 24 hours PRN".
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.
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.
I would give your grandmother some beer if that's what she wants. She isn't driving or operating any equipment.
I forgot to mention that my mom is 89, is in the end stage of Alzheimer's, no longer walks or talks, except a little gibberish, and sits in a wheel chair. She was kicked off hospice earlier this month because she was stable and not dying any time soon.
Godspeed...………...Granny
God be with you.
s. they should get it its a comfort to taste it while they are still here.
The non-alcoholic beer would be a good back up plan.
Anyone on hospice should be given what they want because they have a terminal condition, have stopped treatment for that condition, and the goal of hospice is comfort.
18 months ago I spent 4 months bringing my mom back from death's door. First two months was a downward spiral as I carefully followed medical advice, The change happened when I focused on her favorite foods. I also tried new things based on what she seemed to respond to. A few key things that helped more than others were 1) variety of carbonated flavored water 2) Ginger Ale, 3) Gatorade (one bottle of each favor and then rotate the ones she liked), 4) high protein drinks like Ensure (rotated the favors and would use as milk on cereal once she started eating again), 5) 100% Pure New England Maple Syrup, 6) butter, 7) variety of prepared bagged salads that include the dressing.
It was a educated guessing game. Family members initially thought I was crazy and I didn't care. By the start of the 4th month family was offering suggestions and making special trips to the store. Mom has been back at home for the past 14 months. She had 2 days in the hospital for the flu last New Years and a handful of Dr visits mostly for UTIs. She is 93 and going for 100. As her strength returned, she again insists on sweeping the driveway so we supervise and have learned to be on the down slope side. Family thanked me for thinking outside of the box and being willing to go with my gut despite the mild 'you are crazy' push back they initially offered up.
I agree with others that she may just want the taste of beer and probably won't drink much of it.
Ceasing to eat or drink is part of the natural process of dying. She doesn't need calories. It can be the hardest thing to accept for loved ones. It helped me to keep in mind that, when a dying person eats in order to make their family members feel better, it actually makes them feel worse.
It's time for everyone to follow your grandmother's lead. She's in charge for this journey. She's not a 'patient' anymore.