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My 96 yr old mom has been in hospice for about 8 months. She has a large rectal tumor. While her appetite has generally been good, although she's had significant weight loss over past few years, now she's about 68 lbs or so, for the past few weeks she's started to eat less. She's said that the aides at her small residential care home are not giving her enough to eat, but then she tells me what she's getting and it sounds like enough to me. She also seems to have lost interest in foods she used to like. She has pretty bad teeth so I'm also wondering if her ability to chew is just about gone. She also has a Foley catheter and she no doubt has chronic UTIs. Today she was more weak than I've ever seen her. I've spoken to the aides and the house owner and they're trying to address the issue and give her what she wants, but it seems she's always got some complaint about the food. Not sure if this is the beginning of the end.

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She will be more confused and less hungry as she continues to decline. Remember, on hospice there are no more interventions, no more tests or diagnoses, just comfort care. Talk to the Hospice nurse about what to expect. At 68 lbs, she sounds like time is short. She may also be dehydrated, and once again, hospice will not give IV fluids unless it is included in the MOLST.
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Thanks for the reply Pam. Yes, mother seemed somewhat confused today so that may also be an indication of things getting worse. I will speak with the hospice nurse. Thanks again.
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