He hardly eats, can't hardly walk, talk and tries to wander off. He wets himself and has lost pretty much a desire to live. Sometimes he talks kind of clear but is very confused and thinks everyone is robbing him or the neighbors are trying to kill him etc...
What does the Parkinson's specialist who is treating him think?
You might want to consider asking hospice to evaluate him.
It was the best thing we ever did for my husband. For weeks, they were there to help the family understand what was going on each step of the way.
And help us to deal with the reality. Gave us confidence and peace even though it was sad. I wish the same for you. Malachy
Have your Dad evaluated they will determine if he is eligible and what the next course of action would be.
There are many "signs" that one is at end of life but how long it takes to get to the end point is different for everyone. My husband sleeps a lot, 18 to 20 hours a day, he no longer talks or walks but God bless him he will still feed himself.
The call to Hospice will be an easy one, they will evaluate your Dad and if he is determined to be eligible he will begin getting services right away. They will make sure he is comfortable and provide supplies you need.
Hospice does not "kill people". Hospice does not "drug people so they die faster". Hospice in some cases extends life as some people begin getting more personalized attention. Hospice is comfort focused, patient focused, family focused.
To prevent aspiration of liquids, which can lead to pneumonia, don't let him drink with a straw. Get some of those cups for babies--Dad says they have a "tooth" on them to drink through--that keeps him from sucking in air with his drink.
See if his physician will refer him for hospice care. They will provide a walker, hospital bed, wheel chair, incontinence supplies, advice and support.
If he doesn't have a living will, health care POA, financial POA, etc., and is still mentally capable of agreeing to these,
get them done ASAP.
If he's still trying to drive, stop that. If you have to, just tell him it's only until he gets better.
Don't argue with him about the delusions if you can think of a way to "acknowledge and redirect." When Dad thought the police were coming to arrest him, his son just said, "Dad, it's taken care of. I know all those guys, I talked to them and explained everything, and they left and aren't coming back." We found it's simpler to not let him hear news reports or TV shows that suggest bad events, because he seems to think he is part of the story--hence, police after him.
Everyone is different. Dad was like yours for several months, has been housebound since May, and now is mostly in bed sleeping. Mother-in-law practically forces him to eat, which he doesn't want, and has, IMHO, probably just prolonged his suffering.
You need tons of patience and
help. Get it wherever you can.
Parkinson's is a progressive disease, and symptoms worsen over time. This commonly used system describes the stages of Parkinson's and what symptoms to expect during each phase.
Use the search bar-see the 3 short horizontal lines above, in the blue navigation bar? Click there.
Peruse all things Parkinsons, then come back here for support anytime, Charlee05, this is your question, and you are the OP, original poster.
Remember your original question so you can find your way back.
Bless you and your Dad, and your family.
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