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Mom survived Covid -- twice! She is in memory care, and we have good days and not-so-good days. She seems to understand what I'm saying, but I cannot always understand what she is saying. Yesterday, she kept touching her chin and lower lip, saying something like, "I can feel it." Today, she "saw" children and dogs that were not there, and her mouth was mostly open -- she kept pushing her chin up, as if trying to close her mouth. She was once in Hospice, but they discontinued care because there was no need; that was over a year ago. Is this behavior typical -- for someone her age?

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A stiff jaw could cause this open mouth effect, changes in breathing or swallowing could be factors too.

I think considering such an advanced age, I would take one day at a time.

Each day Mom can chat with you or smile is a blessing indeed ❤️

I would not be surprised to find one morning soon she had slipped away with the dawn 🕊️
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My dear MIL died aged 99 years and 9 months. She couldn’t speak for the last couple of years. I was with her about three days before she died, and was talking to the aide in her room, saying how sorry I was when I could not care for her at home. It just about destroyed my difficult back, I had to give up long before I wanted. MIL, Dora, started to try to speak, which she hadn’t done for months. It wasn’t intelligible, but I am sure it meant that she had heard and was trying to tell me it was OK. I hadn’t realised that she could still hear so well.

So you may be right that she can still hear you and understand, even if you can’t understand her. Tell her stories of nice things you did together in the past, perhaps she will remember and be happy. Lots of love to you both, Margaret
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Has she been examined for any type of occlusion in her teeth?
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OMGOODNESS 102!!! WOW!! Anyway, she may need hospice now! Have her checked especially if she is in memory care I'm surprise she isn't. Yes it could be she cannot feel her jaw. And for her to see something that is not there is a normal thing for older people. My Mama saw her mother several times before she passed. As one post said, take it one day at a time, one moment at a time and accept that physical things will happen. Hugs
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Cover999 Sep 2022
She is
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If she is in memory care that means that her brain is broken, so I can only guess that perhaps her brain is no longer able to tell her mouth to stay closed.
And at your moms age there should be no reason that she wouldn't qualify for hospice care. I mean really.....at 102 it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that her time here on earth is extremely limited. Perhaps you may need to contact a different hospice agency, as I'm sure there are many that would be more than willing to offer their services.
Best wishes to you and your mom.
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God bless you & your mom. She's a strong lady and survivor. You're a good daughter
[[hugs]]
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