My Mom's health has been a steady decline the last 4 months, especially physically. She is not able to stand or walk on her own now. But, she is speaking, smiling, feeding herself a little. She seems to know all that we are talking about. Her appetite seems to have improved a little. She has three meals a day and drinking juices and protein drinks.
Has anyone else experienced this? What can we expect to happen next? We are hopeful that she has stopped the decline, maybe at a plateau now for awhile. Things have changed so quickly for her, we are hoping the changes slow down a bit. Or will her decline continue? Her dr tells us it will not be a prolonged illness, but we don't really know what that means.
Stage 1 – Mild/Early (lasts 2-4 yrs) – Frequent recent memory loss, particularly of recent conversations and events. ...
Stage 2 – Moderate/Middle (lasts 2-10 yrs) – Can no longer cover up problems. ... Stage 3 – Severe/Late (lasts 1-3+ yrs) – Confused about past and present.
I am one of 5 children, all of who are involved as care takers along with my Dad and a CNA we have hired. We are so very lucky that we all can be involved. In a different sort of way it has given us time individually with our Mom, special tender moments if you will. It also gives us time with our Dad (taking in dinner, chats, etc.). So we feel blessed that she is able to join in conversations, tap her toes to music, enjoy pictures with us.
We want to keep her home as long as possible and plan to get involved with hospice. So far things are going along ok with all of our help. Her dr has said he will refer us to hospice when we feel it is time.
Right now she seems to be holding her own. She was able to take a few steps with support yesterday and today. She continues to eat and drink. So for now, one day at a time.
I admire all the care givers out there who are going it alone, not sure how you do it! Thank you again for your kind words and help! xoxox
However short or long, it is difficult and heartbreaking for the caregiver. As someone also said, God knows the right time to take the person home. I pray that God blesses each caregiver as they go through the stressful times. And I know God has answered my prayer because there is no way i could have endured the struggles and pain without His help.
Whether a person has Alzheimers or not, life is precious and must come to an end someday. It is good to communicate with other caregivers on sites like this because encouragement is hard to find from those unwilling to help.
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