I think I lost my previous attempt to post, so please forgive if this is a repeat. I received a call that my 94 yr old dad will be recommended for hospice evaluation. His agitation is getting worse, he tries to get out of bed, he's not eating, he fights against meds, has lost about 20 pounds in the last month or so...also has diabetes 2, congestive heart failure, is hearing impaired, and has difficulty finding words, as in, "We need the fub...tub...jub...oh, I don't know." Urine sample and blood sample taken yesterday. I'm fine with the recommendation for hospice, but curious as to how hospice will help him "be more comfortable." His behavior sounds like something I read about yesterday when I was doing some research: "terminal agitation." Anyone have a loved one experience this kind of agitation and then having hospice recommended? (I'm 400 miles away, the only child, and also keep an eye on Mom - 90- who still insists on living independently with moderate vascular dementia which is getting worse. She visits him every day with assistance from either a neighbor or staff person from BrightStar. I'll be traveling back in two weeks and have been making trips every 5 weeks for over a year.) Just curious as to how hospice will make dad more comfortable and if anyone here has had a loved one exhibit "terminal agitation." Thanks, Jenny
The sequence of events would be typical for a patient entering the active dying stage. I see nothing wrong with the way AL handled your Mom's care. They realized Mom had reached a level where they were no longer able to provide adequate care. Your mother was comfortable and well cared for during her last days so hang onto the fact that she passed peacefully. Did the drugs in inpatient hospice hasten or contribute to her death as others have said. I think that the fact she was agitated when the meds were wearing off would indicate she was suffering from terminal agitation which is very difficult to deal with and does come on suddenly.
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In the terminal phase drowsiness and loss of appetite are frequent.