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My mom has Acid Reflux that makes it very difficult for her to eat. She takes med but it doesn't help much. She also has advanced osteoarthritis which makes even a slightest move painful. She can not get up because of the pain. She eats very little and is losing weight rapidly as a result. She is very lucid and can make her own decision. I can't force her to eat. What do I do? What if she dies due to lack of nutrition? What might be the legal ramification of this? Thanks.
Some people decide when enough is enough, and perhaps your mother has. But, of course, this may not be the case.
Can you discuss your concern with her doctor, and since she is "lucid" let him have a discussion with her about her health, and how she sees her life situation.
She may be more honest with the doctor than with you. I would hope that this might give you a sense of direction and some reassurance.
A few years ago my mother-in-law decided enough was enough. She had many medical problems for many years. After discussing it with her doctor she decided to stop all of her meds and food. The only thing she wanted, and was given, was morphine. Her adult children (with spouses) and adult grandchildren were there to support her and we all respected her decision. It was her life, her decision, her way. She was not alone at all. It was a very peaceful and loving end for her. I admire her very much.
Make sure she is being seen by someone in a professional capacity, either a doctor or home health aide or something, not just you. Since you asked about ramifications I'm sure you know what I mean.
You'll need to work very closely with your mom and her doctor now. Try to keep to her upper body well elevated when she does eat. The acid reflux is much worse laying down. Keep her as pain free as possible.
Ensure, the liquid drink, can stave off starvation and dehydration for a while. Each container has about 300-350 calories, plus all necessary vitamins and minerals.. Even a few of these a day can be helpful.
Discuss with mom and her doctor a treatment plan or if she is ready to let go. Respect her wishes as hard as it is going to be.
I wish a peaceful passing for your mother.Perhaps her time has come and she's shutting down, Try simple things, like soup, jello, popsicles--my grandmother loved pineapple milkshakes her last few weeks.
I wouldn't worry about legal raminifactions--unless there's other family members who might want to give you a hard time. Make sure you discuss it with the doctor and that he includes it in the chart---patient lost appetite, family trying to encourage simple foods and liquids. That's really all you would need in case of a lawsuit. You might want to read up on hospice care. Hospice isn't a place, but rather a form of care. It recognizes the patient is dying, and doesn't go against the normal stages, while keeping the patient comfortable.
God Blessings for you and your mother---trust it to God!
Make sure she is being seen by someone in a professional capacity, either a doctor or home health aide or something, not just you. Since you asked about ramifications I'm sure you know what I mean.
If she's being followed by a doctor, it can make the final paperwork easier. Otherwise, if a person dies at home and there's no recent doctor, they may want an autopsy.
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