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In the past 2 weeks, we have noticed a shift. She is at our home on hospice, bedridden. Up until now, she has been alert and engaged in conversation with us and caregivers. Yes, she needed her daily nap, but now she sleeps more than she is awake. We have to wake her to eat, to be refreshed and changed, and other things about her care. Is this an indication of being closer to the end of her life? Would be interested to hear your input. Thanks!

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Typically sleeping more is quite common as one nears the end of their life, but the "sleeping more" can go on for months before they finally die.
My late husband slept 16-20 hours for about the last 6 months of his life, so if this just started for your loved one, it could still go on for a while.
And I guess I'm not clear as to why you feel the need to wake up your loved one "to eat, to be refreshed and changed, and other things about her care." I understand if her diaper needs to be changed, or medicine needs to be taken at a certain time, but anything else, I would just let her sleep.
If she's hungry enough she will wake up and let you know.
The true sign that someone is "actively" dying is when they don't want to eat or drink, and it is then that food or drink should NOT be forced on them as the digestive system is the first to start to shut down and it can quite painful to eat or drink.
Hospice can better walk you through what may or may not lie ahead, but remember, only God knows the day and time that He will call your loved one Home.
I would just say that you and your family should just enjoy whatever time you may have left with her and make sure that you leave nothing left unsaid.
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CaringinVA Jan 21, 2024
Thank you, Funky. Yes, the “refreshed and changed” is our household way of referring to the change of incontinence briefs (it’s how we say it to her). And yep, I hang on the fact that her times/our times are in His hands. Thank you for your kindness and your wisdom❤️
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My Husband went from sleeping a "normal" 8 hours and as he declined it went to sleeping 8 to 10 hours then 10 to 12, 16 to 18 to 20 to 23 hours.
Increased sleeping is a decline.
Make sure your Hospice Nurse is aware of this change and any other changes you have noticed.
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CaringinVA Jan 21, 2024
Thank you Grandma❤️The hospice nurse is definitely aware, and we also have a caregiver who is there with LO most days of the week. She took notice of it and brought it to our attention.
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It probably is. The best person to ask is the Hospice Nurse. Ask if you need to wake her up to feed her. If she is actively dying, feeding her could do more harm than good if her body is shutting down. Not being able to swallow is one of the first signs.
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CaringinVA Jan 21, 2024
Thank you Joann for that helpful info.
I don’t think we are quite at that point yet. She eats well when she does eat, and she continues to have an appetite. She also has no swallowing issues, so I feel like we are good there.
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