End of August 2011, my mother who has dementia and Alzheimer’s was slated for transition by Hospice. They were telling us her body was shutting down. Hospice indicated she would be gone within two weeks.
As she could not swallow, Hospice took her off all medication, food and water. On her Birthday, Aug 28th my sister Stacy came in and fed her a little yogurt. Mother then asked for water. Hospice would not allow her caregivers to give her water, but we took it upon ourselves to do this. She was then asking for water and food the next day. The Memory care facility where she is, cannot have their caregivers give anything without orders from Hospice due to liability.
I came with Univera Essentials. This is like Ensure only with more nutrition and is predigested so its easy on the digestive system. When Hospice saw the difference in my Mother and with my insistence, they then issued the order for liquids and water to be given at meal times. Her meal consisted of Univera Essentials and then, a few weeks later, pureed foods were added.
Mother is still with us and I visit her every day.
She is confined to a wheelchair when she is up. Some days she is anxious, and thinks we are taking a trip and she needs to plan for it. The next day, she has left a baby with her mother and afraid as she cannot remember where. Some days she is just not there and some days she is bright and full of sharp observations. We appreciate all of those days no matter how difficult.
I am so very thankful we have Univera for Mother and for my family for extension and quality of life. Life is a gift.
