Mom Update

I'll post pictures of the kitchen tomorrow, but today I thought it was time for an update on my mom.

Last week mom came off hospice, for the second time, due to weight gain. She still sleeps nearly 22 hours a day, rarely makes any sounds, is on a prescription pain killer because she moans and groans when handled, and can do absolutely nothing for herself. Nevertheless, mom gained eight pounds in just a few months because she eats and drinks anything and everything placed to her lips.

Medicare has strict hospice guidelines regarding weight. So, despite mom's clearly declining condition and confirmed terminal illness, she no longer qualifies for hospice simply because she gained weight. It's incredibly frustrating because, without hospice, mom no longer has her comfy geri-chair and bed pad and the extra attention she got from her hospice team.

I have a Care Meeting at the nursing home next week and plan to address the weight gain. Since mom can't feed herself, it seems to me her calorie intake could be controlled. At 5'9", mom was at a healthier weight when she was 160 pounds. Now she's at 168 pounds and will continue to gain on her current diet. I talked with two hospice organizations and both confirmed mom is probably just eating and drinking everything offered because she can do nothing else. It's also safe to assume mom can no longer feel full.

Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease 10+ years ago and has been in a nursing home for over four years. Frankly, I don't see this nightmare ending any time soon.