She has declined so much and has been bed-ridden for months now. She doesn't eat anymore nor take in anything of nutritional value.
Her skin has started to break down on her feet. It is very painful for her when the Wound Care Nurse goes to treat her wounds. We know at this stage they will not heal and she will continue to get more.
My question is, Should we continue to treat them?
First does she have the proper mattress? ..I just saw that she now has an air mattress..good!
Second is she being turned/ re-positioned often enough?
Third.. are her legs, feet elevated and suspended so there is no pressure on the area?
When they come to change the dressings she should be medicated prior to the dressing change so she is not uncomfortable or in pain. If the Wound Nurse is not having this done she/he should be.
**side note** the critical "pressure sore" that you should watch out for is a Kennedy Ulcer. These appear rapidly often within hours.
In this case I would have a talk with the Nurse and see what her honest opinion is taking all other symptoms into account. No one has an "expiration date" stamped on their body so there is no way anyone can give a time or date but Hospice Nurses have pretty good instinct for this.
Hospice primary goal is comfort and symptom management. Let that guide you.
infection. It's a horrible dilemma to be in, for sure.
I am so sorry for what your mom and you are going through, but this question is so personal and we don't know your mom's history, meds and prognosis. Have you thought about hospice? Maybe it is time to ask her what she wants if you can. This has to be difficult for you. Maybe someone here will have a better answer for you.
Hugs!!!
https://www.nursingcenter.com/cearticle?an=00129191-201304000-00003&Journal_ID=260877&Issue_ID=1521073
I am not not sure how it is handled with bedridden people. I know one NH that I visited had beds with special mattresses that moved. Had never seen that before.
I am so sorry that you and mom are dealing with this issue. Hugs!