The good news is DH is back at the ALF as of Monday. The bad news is it looks like Hospice will be on board. I will know for sure this afternoon. He can't walk without assistance, tries to talk but no one understands him. He looks like he has lost more weight from 150lb originally 186lbs. Will let you know what I find out this afternoon.
Jean, my wife dropped weight steadily for about a year from 127 to 100. In the last four months or so she stabilized and is now gradually gaining a bit back. I hope he stabilizes too.
Jean, my husband had virtually the identical weight loss yours did, which qualified him for hospice for a short period. He has now stabilized around the 150 range. Funny, I've never seen him this small, but people comment that he looks "fit". Must be the workout clothing that I provide for him.
It looks like my DH meets the criteria for Hospice. I imagine the nurse will want to meet with me sometime this week to get all the information DH can't give her. He is in a wheelchair and his speech is not understandable. I pretty sure he doesn't know who I am, maybe once in a while but it doesn't stay with him. I hate that there is no conversation at all and the one thing I hate, hate, hate about this disease is there is absolutely no dignity left for the patient. DH would be horrified if he knew how he is and that people are having to help him bathe, toilet and sometimes feed him. I just hope and pray that whatever time he has left will be peaceful and no more emergencies
Jean, a couple of things...my mom dropped wt too and then it leveled off for a time..then she dropped wt again when swallowing became more and more problematic.
Secondly, yes this disease does take away the dignity of a person..The only saving grace for our LOs is that at some point, they don't realize this but we do...
My mom looked awful in the last weeks but when she finally made the transition, there was such a peaceful look on her face..it was amazing. The burden of carrying around a body that didn't function anymore was lifted and somehow she seemed to know that...