My 82 year old mother was hospitalised 3 weeks ago after a fall at home, she was diagnosed with glaucoma, head injury which was clear after CT scan, she has some dementia, chest infection, and has had a history of alchohol dependency.
Told by doctor that she was prescribed with meds to help her with her life style dependency and anit biotics the first week she seemed to respond the starting to go down hill. Her drip has been removed now as the doctor has told us that she had not responded to the anti biotics, also she stopped eating last week.
For a week she has been having yogurt, honey, some glucose drink and asks for a cup of tea. I visited my mother today she sleeps a lot, but when she wakes she appears to be quite alert, and you can have a conversation with her.
How long can my mother survive like this, in the hospital where she is there is no end of life nurse to talk too, it would be good to know what happens next.
The doctor explained last Thursday that my mother was in a fragile situation and they are unsure how long she will last.
No one can really predict accurately when someone's life will end in situations like this. Get Mom the best care you can for the situation she is in now (which sounds like it would be hospice), continue to visit and love her, and stay flexible.
As always I should mention, that had I been caring for her at home, she'd be gone several times over. I never would have noticed the subtle changes that told nh staff that she was ill.
God Bless you all xxxx
When she was awake it was a mixture of confusion but she did come back for awhile, she knew me and my husband. I saw a palliative nurse today and she told me that mum has delirium. It was difficult to say how much longer my mum has left.
I am not next of kin my brother is, and he refuses to have any contact me, despite what is going on with mum, this is breaking my heart. I am trying my best to give my mother some peace comfort in her final stages, this whole situation is so sad. what can I do.
Are there papers that list your brother as being in charge?
Re: your situation, Sunnygirl's suggestion is good, to see what papers there may be for your brother being in charge. If he isn't even coming to visit her, perhaps the papers (if any) should be redrawn to put you in charge. It sounds like your mother is still having some periods of lucidity. But you have to have someone present to witness her statement she can't sign, it may be more complicated. Jump in!!
Ask the doctor whether hospice should be considered at this time.