Managing Stage 6 Alzheimer and Diabetes

[Anonymous]

My mother (88 yr old) was just diagnosed with diabetes. She suffers from Alzheimer’s and is about stage 6. She can still walk on her own (barely), needs help with toileting, clothes and bathing. Her speech is clear, usually, but makes up words, and cannot follow conversations or answer questions coherently.

Have any of you had a loved one in a similar situation? How much diabetes care did you do for your loved one? My mother’s advanced directive is DNR, and no unnecessary life prolonging procedures. She lives with me, but I was planning on placing her in memory care within the next 6 months.

[Anonymous]

I am sorry you are going through this. It is such a difficult time. Honestly, I would look into Hospice. They can help you process the next stages and how to support your mom best. There is no right or wrong here.

[Anonymous]

At this point, I’d not care too much about her diabetes. It doesn’t cause physical pain. Just focus on making her comfortable whatever years she has left. Good luck

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At this point, I’d not care too much about her diabetes. It doesn’t cause physical pain. Just focus on making her comfortable whatever years she has left. Good luck

+1 This is a good answer.
If she's on DNR, then new diseases are indicating an end to life. Can you discuss that with the team? That staying status quo and not tackling all new diseases and medications is actually part of her wish?